ERIK TEN HAG insists his lap of honour at Old Trafford tonight will NOT be a farewell.
Manchester United’s under-fire boss plans to join the players in doing a circuit of the pitch after their final home game against Newcastle.
This despite presiding over what looks set to be the club’s worst Premier League campaign.
But Ten Hag believes he is still the man to turn things around so claims when he waves to fans, nothing should be read into it.
He said: “Goodbye for me? It’s not how I see it. It is not the way I will start a lap of honour for the fans.”
The Red Devils have lost 14 Premier League games this season — their highest number ever with two games to go.
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They are also set to finish with a negative goal difference for the first time since 1989-90.
Still, they could finish in Europe if they beat Newcastle tonight or win the FA Cup.
And Ten Hag says there is a bond between the fans and team worth celebrating tonight.
He said: “Through good times and bad, we are together and the fans show it. So we will do a lap of honour.”
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There has been no public message of support from new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe for Ten Hag.
But the Dutchman said: “In stadiums, away and home, fans always back the team and me.
“When I’m also in the street, many come to me — maybe it is just polite but I don’t feel this. I almost never get a negative reaction as fans realise this club is in a transition.”
Defender Lisandro Martinez is back tonight for the first time since an aborted return at the end of March.
Ten Hag hopes to bring him on as a sub and start him in Sunday’s final league game at Brighton ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford should also be available this evening.
Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
Michael Owen – He has to go
“He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
“If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
