by Erik ten Hag explained what he said to Manchester United fans after he was spotted pointing towards the Stretford End following their 3-0 win over Leicester.
United moved within five points of the top of the Premier League on Sunday thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford (2) and Jadon Sancho.
It was the start of what will be a busy week for the Reds, who face Barcelona in the second leg of the Europa League playoffs on Thursday before meeting Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday at Wembley.
After the final whistle on Sunday afternoon, footage emerged of Erik ten Hag delivering a message of unity to the fans who stayed behind to applaud the players and staff.
And in his post-match interview, the former Ajax boss was asked what he said to supporters before heading into the Old Trafford tunnel.
“I said to come on Thursday,” said Ten Hag. “It’s a great game, make sure you’re there and we’ll beat Barcelona together.”
The 53-year-old also expressed his gratitude to the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, who released a pre-match statement imploring any candidate to “commit explicitly to supporting Erik and his plans to restore United to glory”.
The Dutchman added: “I thank the fans for their trust in me. I feel committed to this club, I love being here, but it’s not up to me.
“What I can influence is the performance of this team and I will give everything to play as well as possible and push them beyond the limits.
“We’re committed to this club and it’s our club, it’s in our heart. But it’s not our job, we’re focused on football and the performance of our team, that’s what the players and staff around us have to do. “
United fans, meanwhile, are struggling to hide their excitement after Ten Hag’s ‘moment’ with Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans in a 3-0 win.
Belgian international Tielemans entered the fray in the 59th minute, replacing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
But just before taking to the pitch, the former Anderlecht and Monaco midfielder was patted on the back by Ten Hag.
Tielemans is linked with United, along with a number of other Premier League clubs, and fans think the gesture could be a sign of things to come.
One fan said: “Did anyone see Erik ten Hag pat Youri Tielemans when he was replaced? It might just be me, but I would love to see him in a Manchester Utd shirt.”
A second said: “Erik Ten Hag patting Tielemans on the back as he enters the field. Ten Hag cooking for summer already.”
A third added: “Free in the summer?”
Thoughts on Ten Hag’s comments after the Leicester game? Can they beat Barcelona on Thursday?
Let us know in the comments.
