Erik ten Hag hoping to stay on as Man Utd boss long-term over fears he could be replaced if £6bn takeover is completed
ERIK TEN HAG hopes he will get the chance to stay as Manchester United boss for the long-term as a takeover draws closer.
The club’s supporters trust (MUST) highlighted some concerns about the two bids to take over the club – but stressed the Dutch boss has to stay.
Ten Hag‘s Red Devils continued their impressive progress on the pitch – despite a first half the boss described as “rubbish” and a “mess”.
Marcus Rashford’s two goals took his tally for the season to 24 and put United firmly in the title race.
Yet their long-term future is shrouded in uncertainty with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatar based Sheikh Jassim both lodging bids over the weekend.
Asked about the statement issued by MUST, Ten Hag said: “I thank the fans they have their trust in me. I feel committed with this club,
“I love to be here but it is not in my influence. What I can influence is the performance of this team and I will do everything to continue.
“We are committed with this club, it is our club, in our heart – but it is not our job.
“We focus on football and perform and that is what the players and staff have to do.”
United shook off a lacklustre first half to ensure they go into a huge week on a high note.
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Ten Hag admitted his team were fortunate to be ahead at the break, saying: “We have to follow the rules and principles from our way of playing. When we don’t. it is getting a mess.
“We were really lucky at half-time we were one goal up – great pass from Bruno [Fernandes], great finish from Rashy [Rashford]. But the rest is rubbish.”
Rashford struck either side of the break and also had a hand in the third goal scored by his fellow England man Jadon Sancho.
The forward has now had his most prolific season for United and said: “It’s still early in the season, we’re fighting for a lot of different things.
“There is always something to look forward to and I don’t feel like slowing down. I always try to improve.”
As for a title challenge, Rashford said: “We’re there, we’re close but at the same time both teams in front of us are really good teams and playing good football.
“We have to just focus on ourselves, do as well as we can and keep picking up points.”
Leicester were disappointed they had nothing to show from a bright opening – but Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers felt there was a key moment in the first half.
United’s new boy Marcel Sabitzer somehow escaped unpunished for an X-rated challenge on Wout Faes.
Rodgers said: “It is a sending off, a straight leg on to the knee, how it was not looked at is incredible.
“I don’t know why. Someone has said it was after an incident but I don’t buy that.”