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Despite securing a third summit clash ticket in two seasons, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under enormous pressure due to the circumstances in which it was achieved.
United relinquished a three-goal lead against Championship side Coventry City on Sunday and almost lost out in extra-time before Andre Onana saved the team’s blushes during the penalty shoot-out.
The embarrassing display saw plenty of pundits and journalists rip into the Dutchman but he reiterated how proud he was of the achievement while blasting the media during the pre-match press conference ahead of the league game against Sheffield United.
The semi-final triumph was watched by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and new technical director Jason Wilcox, both of whom were present at Wembley.
Wilcox’s role
The Peoples Person relayed that the former Manchester City academy head would be conducting an audit to figure out the kind of job done by the Dutchman.
And he will also decide on the overarching playing style which will be implemented throughout the club while also figuring out a consistent approach in the transfer market aimed at recruiting based on that playing style.
For far too long, managers have called the shots at the club and with each boss differing in their way of operating which has resulted in players of various styles being forced to play under a new manager with a totally different philosophy.
New co-owners INEOS are attempting to fix the backroom structure at the club to reduce such incidents moving forward and the manager was asked about how he would function along with the former Southampton sporting director.
“Very close. We have to form a partnership, [it’s] very important. We are a little bit behind in the process so we have to catch up and it will speed up the process.”
EtH met with Wilcox post the Coventry game
Ten Hag also revealed that Wilcox met with him after Sunday’s game and further meetings are planned after this hectic week ends. United face the Blades on Wednesday followed by a clash against Burnley on Saturday.
“Yes, I met him yesterday for the first time,” added the manager. “So we talked. This week, we will not have much time but, from Monday on, we will [move] quick forward.
“Of course I know his profile, I know he was at Man City in the youth [department] and had a lot of experience there. I know he was at Southampton so I am looking forward to our partnership.”
Whether this indicates Ten Hag will continue at the helm despite a disappointing season remains unclear as of now. But Wilcox certainly has a huge role to play in the club’s future moving forward.
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