The Dutchman became the club’s first new coach to lose on his competitive debut last weekend since Louis van Gaal in 2014.
Erik ten Hag can improve Manchester United but only if the club give him time to do so, according to former Ajax and Liverpool midfielder Jari Litmanen.
The new Red Devils manager suffered a 2-1 debut defeat to Brighton last Sunday in the Premier League. His team was outplayed in the opening period, and while things improved in the second half, it was nonetheless a disappointing start to the Ten Hag era at Old Trafford.
1 – Erik ten Hag is the first Manchester United manager to lose his first Premier League game in charge since Louis van Gaal in August 2014 against Swansea City. Setback. pic.twitter.com/hOXpr8wRdm
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 7, 2022
“I hope the best for Erik. He is a good person and a good coach. He showed that at Ajax, but he needs time,” Litmanen told Stats Perform at the UEFA fan park in Helsinki.
“They [Manchester United] are a big club, and they will get back to the top, but they need time. Competition is high in England so it is going to be difficult, but Erik is a good manager.”
Ten Hag and Manchester United return to action on Saturday to visit Brentford in their next Premier League match.