‘I do really feel for him’ – Former Premier League manager expresses sympathy for Ten Hag

Former Premier League head coach Mick McCarthy has expressed his sympathy for Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag following the club’s poor form.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers coach feels the media exposure on happenings at Old Trafford makes managing the Red Devils a tough job for the Dutch tactician.

Speaking on Ten Hag, McCarthy said [via William Hill]: “Everything at Manchester United seems to be played out in the media, whether it’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, or Antony. I feel so sorry for Erik ten Hag.

“I thought he did an amazing job, after losing 4-0 to Brentford at the start of last season, to go on a great run after that. He sorted out the Ronaldo situation, which was the biggest decision of his life, and I think he got it right. Then they went on to have a really good season and win the Carabao Cup.

“This season it’s happening again. There are these problems and they’re being played out in the media because it is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I do feel sorry for ten Hag.

“However, there is the thing that if you come out and nail people in the media, as he did to Sancho, you’ve got to treat all the other players in the same way.

“But I do really feel for him because I think he has sorted some out some difficult situations at the club, but he just can’t escape the news all over the world. There’s just a litany of stories about ten Hag and his players.”

On the Glazers, McCarthy mused: “The problems with the owners are there all the time – the fans are protesting and demonstrating about it, but I don’t think you can allow that to be an excuse for players not performing to the levels that they should be. We are talking about one of the biggest and best clubs in the world, and the players should be on that level.

“The players that sign for the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have won the lottery, and I don’t just mean financially. They’re playing for some of the best clubs in the world, what is there to be upset about? The only answer is if they’re not playing, and it doesn’t matter what club that is, you want to play!”