Soccer

Vincent Kompany sends message to Erik ten Hag's critics amid Man Utd struggles

Vincent Kompany insists Erik ten Hag possess all the qualities required to turn Manchester United’s season around as the Burnley boss aims to heap more misery on the Dutchman this weekend.

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United have endured a torrid start to their season, with three defeats in their last four league games compounded by the club’s midweek 4-3 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Ten Hag’s side currently sit in 13th place, with just six points from their opening five games, but Kompany is not letting outside noise influence his preparations for Saturday evening when Burnley welcome United to Turf Moor.

‘We are not busy with what has happened in the other team. It doesn’t concern us,’ the Burnley manager said.

‘I have to manage the results and performance of my team. We are a calm camp. We are in a place where we feel that something is really exciting ahead of us. We have to build on that momentum; what is happening elsewhere is not our concern.

‘I have to prepare our team to play the best possible Manchester United team, with momentum, ambition, all their problems behind them and at their best.

‘If they turn up in any other way, we will see. But I will prepare my team to face United when they are playing at their best.’

After a successful first season at the club, which saw the Red Devils win the Carabao Cup and reach the FA Cup final, the Dutch boss is under pressure after a lacklustre start to the season.

Kompany, who spent 11 years at rivals Manchester City, recognises the pressure that Ten Hag finds himself under but believes the 53-year-old has the experience and ability to bounce back.  

‘I have been at a big club before and I know how it is when you lose a couple of games – the pressure can mount,’ he added.

‘When in a top club you are always one loss away from a crisis. That doesn’t just have to be United – it is the same in every top club.

‘One thing this man has demonstrated is that he is extremely capable. There is no doubting that. All the rest that is happening in the outside world, he can’t control that.’

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