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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ten Hag was urged not to take Man Utd job</li><li>Was told succeeding at Old Trafford is impossible</li><li>Dutch coach wanted to take on the challenge</li></ul>

Erik ten Hag reveals friends warned him not to take Man Utd job but admits he ‘wanted the challenge’ after Sir Alex Ferguson inspiration

Premier League

Ipswich

No United manager has managed consistent success since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013. The current incumbent has found himself under pressure despite positive signs in his first season in charge, and Ten Hag revealed that he was warned against accepting the role at Old Trafford.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ten Hag revealed his admiration for Ferguson's treble winning team of 1999 as he outlined why he took the job, telling independent fanzine United We Stand (via <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/12/07/erik-ten-hag-manchester-united-friends-job-jadon-sancho/" target="_blank">The Telegraph</a>): "I loved the teams of Sir Alex, that [Champions League final] win in Barcelona. It was inspiring. A big, successful club was constructed, which then dropped in the last 10 years."Everyone was telling me: ‘You can’t succeed in that job’. They said it was impossible. Me? I wanted the challenge. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but it was such a great club with such a great fanbase. People love Man United — or they are against Man United. I like clubs like this. Ajax was like this. This job is the most difficult to do, but I want the challenge."

WHAT TEN HAG SAID

After guiding the Red Devils back to the Champions League with a third-place finish in the Premier League last season, Ten Hag has endured a more rocky campaign so far in 2023-24. The Dutch coach <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/man-utd-crisis-erik-ten-hag-laughs-off-suggestion-red-devils-three-points-champions-city-premier-league-table/blt42e7be96d7a6ee01" target="_blank">has been on the end of heavy criticism</a> as his side sit sixth in the league table and are in danger of crashing out of the Champions League if they fail to beat Bayern Munich in their final game of the group stage next week.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

After <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-utd-better-team-without-marcus-rashford-erik-ten-hag-winners-losers-chelsea/blt7a017773c201acbf" target="_blank">beating Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford on Wednesday thanks to two goals from midfielder Scott McTominay</a>, Ten Hag's team are looking to claim another three points on Saturday when they host Bournemouth.

WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

Erik ten Hag reveals friends warned him not to take Man Utd job but admits he ‘wanted the challenge’ after Sir Alex Ferguson inspiration | Goal.com UK

Erik ten Hag says many people told him not to accept the &quot;impossible&quot; job of succeeding at Manchester United, but he felt he was up to the challenge.