‘I will keep fighting’: Ten Hag sends defiant message after 18th defeat – the most since 1977-78

Erik ten Hag oversaw Manchester United’s 18th defeat of the season tonight – their most in a campaign since 1977/78. 

The 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Crystal Palace perhaps doesn’t even reflect the affairs of the game all that accurately, given that it easily could’ve been over seven from the hosts.

As well as that, the result levels United’s record of 13 league losses, which is the highest they’ve sustained in the Premier League era.

They now sit eighth-placed in the table on a goal difference of minus-three with three matches remaining and are on track to see out a lowest-ever league finish; currently, it stands at a seventh-placed finish under David Moyes in 2014, but the side are now unable to reach that points tally even if they somehow win their final fixtures.

As such, fuel continues to be poured on the fire regarding Ten Hag’s exit speculation. It’s thought that he was on somewhat borrowed time ever since new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe took the reins in February, and it’s safe to say he’ll be taking no positives from what he’s seen in recent weeks.

Ten Hag sends defiant post-match message

The Dutchman addressed his future post-match with Sky Sports, telling reporters that he is ‘absolutely’ the right man for the job before adding: “I will keep fighting. I have to do it with the players who are available.

“There are reasons… everyone has seen our backline, but we have to deal with it. We should’ve kept fighting like the fans did.”