David Moyes has outlined Manchester United's biggest problem but he does not believe it has anything to do with either the manager or the players.
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Erik ten Hag stays on as Man Utd managerAiming for Champions League qualificationMoyes outlines major problem for DutchmanWHAT HAPPENED?
Moyes insists United have made the right decision to keep Erik ten Hag in post, despite there being rumours of the ex-Ajax boss losing his job at the start of the summer. However, he thinks the biggest problem faced by the club is their bitter rivals, Manchester City, rather than any members of their squad.
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United ultimately finished eighth in the Premier League, although they did win the FA Cup, and Moyes doubts they will be able to catch up with the champions, who are aiming to win their fifth successive title in 2024-25.
WHAT MOYES SAID
Moyes told William Hill's podcast Up Front With Simon Jordan: “Erik ten Hag is fighting it at the moment, but he’s done well given the massive amount of pressure on him. Sometimes issues with the manager are easy things for the players to use as excuses. Players at United used to have an unbelievable winning culture inside the club. Ten Hag has been fighting a battle for the past two years, and let’s not forget he’s won two trophies in that time. I admire him for his determination to fight back against the criticism.
“There was a situation in the summer where people are talking about the security of his job, and I disagree with that, I think it’s a horrible position to put the manager, he’s dealt with that with incredible dignity. He’s come back and is challenging and fighting, he wants to make it right.”
“Overall, United’s biggest problem isn’t their manager or their players, it’s Manchester City and Pep Guardiola.”
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
United face Liverpool in their final pre-season friendly this weekend before taking on Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 10. Following that, Ten Hag's side kick off their Premier League campaign against Fulham.