Erik ten Hag defends Man United record ahead of Liverpool clash

Erik ten Hag has defended his record as Manchester United manager ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Liverpool.

Ten Hag appeared to be on the brink of being sacked as Man United boss before his side beat Man City in May's FA Cup final.

Following the Wembley success, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe ultimately decided to keep faith in Ten Hag and handed him a contract extension until the summer of 2026.

Ten Hag may have saved his job with the FA Cup triumph, but he is still under pressure to oversee improvements on the pitch after his side finished in eighth position last term.

The Dutchman is already facing some scrutiny after his team conceded a late goal to lose 2-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

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Ten Hag emphasis Man United trophy record

Ten Hag will be fully aware that the spotlight will be on him on Sunday, with Man United set to face their bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.

The Man United boss has defended his record before the contest, making a point of the fact that Man City are the only English side to have won more trophies since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2022.

"Listen, behind City we won the most trophies over the last two years, so performed better than anyone else," Ten Hag told reporters. "That's the reality. Those are the facts.

"This year we want to win trophies again and I am quite confident. There's only one thing that matters in football: if you win prizes at the end of the season. I had to build this club. 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, even though it's not about me, it's about Man United, and of course we set higher targets."

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How many trophies has Ten Hag won with Man United?

The former Ajax head coach has won both of England's two major cup competitions during his time in the Man United dugout.

Ten Hag led Man United to a 2-0 victory against Newcastle United in the 2022-23 EFL Cup final, before he ended Man United's eight-year wait for FA Cup glory last season.

The FA Cup success saw Ten Hag become the first Man United manager to win trophies in back-to-back seasons since the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Instead of silverware, the 54-year-old will be targeting three points when he faces off with his compatriot Arne Slot on Sunday.

The ex-Feyenoord boss has made a promising start to life in the Premier League, having overseen consecutive wins over Ipswich Town and Brentford.