Ex-Manchester United boss David Moyes goes against the grain with Erik ten Hag verdict
Erik ten Hag is under more pressure than ever at Manchester United but one of his predecessors, David Moyes, has offered a different opinion to most fans and pundits
David Moyes insists that under-fire Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is doing a 'brilliant job'.
Ten Hag, 54, is fighting to stay in his post after overseeing just three wins in United's first 10 games this season. The Dutchman has been in charge since 2022 and spent more than £600million on new players in an effort to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
But the Red Devils are enduring their joint-worst start to a Premier League season, having recorded their lowest-ever finish last term when they slumped to eighth place. Sunday's uninspiring 0-0 draw away to Aston Villa has done little to alleviate the pressure on Ten Hag heading into the international break, with United's executive committee meeting in London on Tuesday and the former Ajax boss' future - while not the reason behind the long-planned meeting - is likely to be discussed.
Moyes was the first manager to take on the challenge of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2013 and knows all about the pressure which Ten Hag is currently under, having only been given 10 months in the Old Trafford hot seat. Speaking on Monday night, Moyes told BBC Sport : "I think he's doing a brilliant job.
"I think he's shown brilliant resilience in the situation that he's in and I think he should be credited for how well he's conducted himself."
Moyes, who remains out of work after leaving West Ham at the end of last season, also praised Ten Hag for consistently facing up to the media and taking part in interviews amid the speculation. "As far as I know, I don't see him ducking any questions or any media interviews that you people [the media] put forward to him," the Scot added.
"I think you have to give him great credit for that but it’s a job that is going to attract immense pressure, people talking, so I have to say that I think he's doing a brilliant job."
Get involved! Should Manchester United sack Erik ten Hag? Have your say in the comments section.
Moyes has been a long-time backer of Ten Hag's - the same as with all four of his permanent successors at Old Trafford - and he said in August when appearing on William Hill's podcast, Up Front with Simon Jordan : " Erik ten Hag is fighting it at the moment, but he’s done well given the massive amount of pressure on him.
"Sometimes issues with the manager are easy things for the players to use as excuses." Moyes added: "Players at United used to have an unbelievable winning culture inside the club," he said. "Ten Hag has been fighting a battle for the past two years, and let’s not forget he's won two trophies in that time. I admire him for his determination to fight back against the criticism."
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