Erik ten Hag Should Learn from Sir Alex Ferguson’s No-Nonsense Approach to the Media
Manchester United’s recent poor form on the pitch has led to negative stories in the media, with players reportedly unhappy about the treatment of goalkeeper David de Gea and growing weary of manager Erik ten Hag’s criticism. In a press conference addressing these leaks, Ten Hag emphasized the team’s unity and determination to fight through tough times. However, a resurfaced video of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson dealing with reporters who spread lies showcases a no-nonsense approach that Ten Hag could benefit from adopting.
The Red Devils have been struggling this season after a promising campaign in 2022/23. They are currently on a three-game losing streak, having been defeated by Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Bayern Munich. Their overall performance has been disappointing, with only two victories out of six matches played. Even in those wins against Wolves and Nottingham Forest, they were fortunate to secure all three points.
Negative stories have emerged in the media amid Manchester United’s struggles. The Sun reported that some players were unhappy with how David de Gea was treated and still harbored resentment over his departure. The Manchester Evening News also claimed that several players were growing weary of Erik ten Hag’s criticism and felt compromised by the absence of Antony.
During a recent press conference, Erik ten Hag addressed these reports, stating that while he couldn’t confirm if there were leaks, he knew the opinions of his players. He acknowledged that every team experiences ups and downs and emphasized the importance of staying united and fighting through difficult periods. Ten Hag expressed his confidence in the team’s togetherness and their ability to overcome challenges.
In light of the recent leaks and negative stories, a video of Sir Alex Ferguson dealing with reporters has gone viral again. In the footage, Ferguson confronts journalists who spread what he calls lies and warns them of potential bans if the negative stories persist. He emphasizes the importance of truthful reporting and expresses his frustration with twisted and misleading headlines. Ferguson’s no-nonsense approach demonstrates his commitment to maintain control over the narrative surrounding his team.
The contrast between how Sir Alex Ferguson handled the media and Erik ten Hag’s current approach is worth noting. Ferguson immediately took action against journalists who twisted his words, ensuring that they would not have access to press conferences in the future if they continued to spread false information. Perhaps this assertive approach is something Ten Hag should consider adopting moving forward.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s poor form on the pitch has led to negative stories in the media. Erik ten Hag has addressed these leaks by emphasizing the team’s unity and determination. However, a video of Sir Alex Ferguson’s no-nonsense approach serves as a reminder that taking immediate action against misleading reporting can be beneficial in maintaining control over the narrative. Ten Hag may find it valuable to follow Ferguson’s lead and adopt a stricter approach to dealing with the media. Only time will tell if this change in approach will help turn Manchester United’s fortunes around.
