Manchester United on Monday finally decided to pull the plug on Erik Ten Hag as they sacked the Dutch manager after an awful start to the Premier League season. Erik Ten Hag had been walking on thin ice at Manchester United since last season, and a poor start to new campaign meant his days at Old Trafford were numbered. 

Cross town rivals Manchester City ‘s manager Pep Guardiola came out and backed Erik Ten Hag to bounce back stronger from this setback. 

Pep Guardiola backs Erik Ten Hag

Pep Guardiola addressed the press conference before Manchester City’s English league cup tie against Tottenham on Wednesday and said he felt sorry for Erik Ten Hag. Pep asserted that Ten Hag is a great manager who represented Manchester United exceptionally well. 

“I’m so sorry for Erik ten Hag. I have an incredible relationship and he represents Man United in the highest level in terms of behaviour,” said Pep Guardiola in his press conference. 

Pep Guardiola further said that football at the end of the day is a results business and as a manager they run the risk of getting sacked if results don’t follow their way. But Pep didn’t have any doubts that Erik Ten Hag would bounce back stronger. 

Also Read | Bellingham Becomes 1st England Player In 20 Years To Script d’Or History

“This game always depends on results, we can be at risk..He’s going to come back stronger,” concluded Pep. 

Erik Ten Hag’s stint at Manchester United started well but as the time progressed, the team continued to derail under his guidance and results did not arrive. Ten Hag got the sack after Manchester United were languishing 14th in the Premier League after 9 games. 

Also Read | Manchester United Seeks Ten Hag’s Successor: Amorim & Xavi Contenders?

Manchester United close in on ETH replacement

While, Ruud Van Nistelrooy has taken over as interim manager until the Red Devils find a new head coach, reports suggest the search is close to conclusion. 

According to a report by Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are set to pay exit clause of Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim to be their new head coach.