Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has criticized the club's fans for having "no sense of reality" regarding their expectations, given the team's prolonged Premier League title drought.
Ten Hag made these remarks in an interview on the day of United’s FA Cup final against Manchester City, a match that could determine the Dutchman's future at Old Trafford.
Speculation has been rampant that Ten Hag could face dismissal after the FA Cup final at Wembley, following two challenging seasons in charge.
Under his leadership, Manchester United has endured their worst-ever Premier League finish, ending the season in eighth place. The club's participation in European competitions next season hinges on the outcome of the FA Cup final.
In an interview with Dutch outlet VI, Ten Hag expressed his frustration with the unrealistic expectations placed upon him and his team.
"Manchester United won the league for the last time in 2013, 11 years ago," he noted. "But still they expect us to win every game while competing at the top."
Ten Hag emphasized that the club is not currently in a position to meet those high expectations.
"This club is not ready for that. We were supposed to start building something and we made the first steps last year, but then you find out how big this club is and that nobody is ever satisfied," he explained.
Reflecting on the internal and external pressures, Ten Hag stated, "Within the club people were satisfied, but outside the club, there was noise saying I won only the Carabao Cup, lost the FA Cup Final, and became 3rd."
As Manchester United prepares for the FA Cup final, the club's fans and stakeholders are left to ponder the future direction under Ten Hag's management, should he remain at the helm.