Erik ten Hag says his Man Utd have been superior to Liverpool the last two years (Image: GET)
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has claimed that his tenure at Old Trafford has been more successful than Liverpool’s over the same period.
The Dutchman defended his record after being questioned about the necessity of Champions League qualification this season, following a £140million backing from the board in the summer transfer window.
This has taken the club’s spending during Ten Hag’s reign to over £500m.
During his time at United, the team have won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, and secured a place in Europe’s top club competition in 2023 after finishing third.
Ten Hag highlighted that only Manchester City have won more during his time at United, while Liverpool have only managed to lift the Carabao Cup.
The United boss said: “Listen, behind City we have won the most trophies over the last two years – so we performed better than anyone else.
“Listen to me, listen to me, that’s the reality. Those are the facts. This year we want to win trophies – and I am quite confident we will build up to this.”
He added: “That’s what I have done for the last 11 years, so I am just patient and just waiting. We will continue to work on the process. We have to improve the process and aim for our next target, which is to go for more trophies.
“As I have said, not only have we progressed, we also won trophies. How a team plays is very subjective, so there’s only one thing in football – and that’s about the end of the season and if you win prizes and trophies or not.
“I repeat myself, after City we won the most trophies in English football. I don’t care if I get the credit or I don’t get the credit, it’s about having to build this club.
Man Utd’s 7-0 loss at Anfield aside, Erik ten Hag has a good record vs Liverpool (Image: GETTY)
“We brought young players in, we progressed young players, we won trophies, so what can I do more? As far as I know, the fans are happy with me, but it’s not about me, it’s about Man United – and of course we set higher targets.
“We have very big ambitions, the club, the leadership, the team definitely. So everyone sees the potential – and now we have to work very hard to achieve the targets.”
Ten Hag’s first Premier League victory came in his debut season’s third game against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
United were humiliated 7-0 in the return at Anfield but still managed to finish ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s team to qualify for the Champions League.
Last season, they knocked the Merseysiders out of the FA Cup in a thrilling quarter-final tie – and then dealt a significant blow to Klopp’s hopes of securing a second Premier League title by holding Liverpool to a 2-2 draw in Manchester.
On both occasions, Liverpool crumbled at Old Trafford, failing to convert their chances and dominance in matches they were in control of. Ten Hag has now called on United’s fans to give Liverpool’s new manager Arne Slot a fiery welcome.
He stated: “I think it is often the case (that Old Trafford is hostile) – and I am sure the fans are ready for it and ready, together with us, to take the fire and to take on this good challenge.
“We are all excited. The fans are excited and the team is excited – and in togetherness we will go for it.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1942833/Erik-ten-Hag-Liverpool-Man-Utd-news