Former Barcelona player and manager Ronald Koeman has urged Manchester United to give Erik ten Hag time at the club.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Koeman passionately pleaded with supporters and decision-makers at the club to be patient with Ten Hag, whom he endorsed as the right man for the Old Trafford job.
The 59-year-old praised his compatriot and described some of the attributes that set him apart from his peers.
Koeman said: “He [Ten Hag] He is a coach who likes good football”.
“He likes to play attacking football and with some good signings and time he will take United back to the top of the Premier League.”
The former Everton boss added: “You need time as a manager.”
“I think United understand that they have to give Erik that time and then United will come back, I’m sure of that.”
United fans will certainly agree with Koeman about their manager, who has already shown glimpses of his brilliance as seen in his effect on the team.
The Reds are currently on a four-game winning streak in the league and finally kicked off their Europa League campaign with a win against Moldovan opposition Sheriff Tiraspol.
Ten Hag and his men have certainly done well in turning around what was a disastrous start to the campaign that saw the team lose their first two domestic games.
Many will undoubtedly agree with Koeman’s sentiments that patience is required and that the coach should be given adequate time to convey his philosophy to the players. However, it is also recognized that football is a results-based business, something the coach will be fully aware of.
As the international break comes to an end, United face a litmus test with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. The derby, on paper, threatens to be Ten Hag’s biggest challenge so far in his time in England.
