Jonny Evans reveals what Ruud van Nistelrooy told Manchester United stars amid Erik ten Hag sack pressure

Jonny Evans has revealed what Ruud van Nistelrooy told the Manchester United stars amid increasing pressure on Erik ten Hag’s job position.

Erik ten Hag finds himself under growing pressure as Manchester United‘s inconsistent performances have cast doubt over their 2024/25 season.

The team are currently 14th in the Premier League and have fallen out of the top eight in their Europa League group after two consecutive draws. Frustration among the fanbase is rising, with many demanding a change at the helm.

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Despite speculation that Ten Hag would be dismissed during the October international break, a goalless draw against a strong Aston Villa side has seemingly helped his case for now.

The Dutch manager returned to Carrington on Monday and is now focusing on a crucial home fixture against Brentford at Old Trafford this Saturday.

Ten Hag has strong character

Speaking to Sky Sports, veteran United defender Jonny Evans was asked about Ten Hag and his character amid a tumultuous time for the Dutchman and his players, to which the former Northern Irish international praised him.

“He’s a very strong-minded man and you know, I admire him for that,” Evans started. “You see that he’s very principled in the way he wants to work and the way he is as a person, and he very rarely changes.

“He shows a real sort of strength and who he believes that he is, and who he wants to be. And I admire him for that sort of strength and courage to continue. He’s always very positive and his message is always the same and very consistent.

“It’s important – I suppose ’cause that’s the job of the coaches. It’s to create that environment and culture within the club that we still keep pushing and improve the results and obviously the league position.

“You can take the positives from the defensive side of the game. We want to add more goals, and I suppose from their perspective, always looking at the positive side; where can we improve, not sort of letting outside noise sort of influence us.”

What Van Nistelrooy said

Furthermore, Evans then revealed what first-team coach and legendary United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been telling the squad amid the increasing pressure on Ten Hag.

“Ruud [van Nistelrooy] spoke the other day about the fact that it’s a game and getting back there to when you’re a kid playing football and going out and competing.

“I think that’s where everyone wants to get to that sort of new place where you’re not affected by outside noise, and you can just go out and perform to your best every week. And that’s what I suppose every footballer, every single weekend strives for, I think playing with enjoyment and a smile on your face.

“Obviously, we’ve got expectations to win football matches, and it’s always more enjoyable whenever you win.”

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