Erik ten Hag makes unconvincing Man Utd point after losing to Man City again

Despite another loss in Sunday’s derby at the Etihad, Erik ten Hag maintains that Manchester United are still in close proximity to champions Manchester City.

Despite Manchester City’s dominance in Sunday’s derby, Erik ten Hag insists the score difference is “not that big” between his team and City.

After taking the lead at the Etihad, Manchester United’s lack of quality was on full display as Pep Guardiola’s team went on to win 3-1. As a result, United have dropped 11 games in the league this season and are now in sixth place, 18 points behind champion City, who are aiming for their fourth consecutive title.

Ten Hag has dropped four of his five matches against the champions, and United haven’t been competitive in the Premier League in ten years. Among these losses are a 6-3 thrashing from last season and a 3-0 setback at Old Trafford earlier in the current campaign. Regardless, according to the Dutchman, the teams are separated by very small margins.

“No, I don’t think so, absolutely not,” he replied when asked if the loss highlighted the gulf between United and City. Despite our current injury crisis, we did have a chance. A razor-thin margin. The second goal was within our reach. In a second, equally contentious moment, we might have scored the second goal.

It is not that large, as you can see. With everyone pulling in the same direction, we can compete at a high level; as we demonstrated in the [FA Cup] final, for example, when the score is so close. However, keep in mind that City is currently the top team in the world.

In Manchester, Ten Hag is threatened with the chop, so he is under pressure to have a strong season finale. Although he ended the club’s trophy drought last term by delivering the Carabao Cup, he has been unable to close the gap to City since arriving.

With another season without playing in the Champions League looming on the horizon, United find themselves eleven points behind Aston Villa in fourth place. “It can be a quick turnaround,” Ten Hag says, maintaining his motivation to pursue their competitors. To try to close the gap, we play in another final [next Saturday] against Everton. This is something we must do. Our games must be won. Fifth place is a potential Champions League spot, so we need to give it our best shot.

In the decade since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, United have never finished higher than City. Even though United have spent more money on transfers, it has not brought them any closer to their goals.

Guardiola admitted before Sunday’s derby that he felt bad for the people in charge at Old Trafford because they’re under so much pressure. “You need to be successful in the major leagues,” he advised. “Coming off such a phenomenal run under Sir Alex’s leadership isn’t easy for United.”