ERIK ON EDGE
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag shuts down Rio Ferdinand in tense interview after Bruno Fernandes’ late winner against Fulham
Legendary defender probed boss on whether he can fix the current issues
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ERIK TEN HAG shut down Rio Ferdinand in a tense live TV interview.
The Manchester United manager was quizzed on TNT Sports on the Craven Cottage pitch.
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His side grabbed a 91st-minute winner through captain Bruno Fernandes to snatch a 1-0 victory at Fulham.
It ended a torrid week for United following 3-0 thrashings at home against Manchester City and Newcastle.
But afterwards, legendary defender Ferdinand asked Ten Hag when fans will finally get to see the team playing his style effectively and consistently.
However, the Dutchman was having none of it and fired back defiantly.
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Ten Hag said: "With all due respect, didn't we see it last season?"
Ferdinand replied: "Last season I saw it but this season we haven't."
A stumbling Ten Hag then added: "No. Anyone knows why - because we have so many injuries.
"Every time you have to swap, you have to make changes and the routines are not there.
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"That is what you see in these moments in our team. You have to be more pragmatic but I've always said it's not an excuse for not winning matches."
Ten Hag then went on to explain the need to have the same players regularly appearing together to build chemistry and momentum.
And at the end of the gaffer's spiel, Ferdinand gives a blunt "yeah" before Joe Cole asks another question.
Ten Hag then suggested Harry Maguire had a hand injury despite needing treatment after looking dizzy and keeling over.
But Ferdinand - who earlier tore into the Red Devils flops - took the conversation back to United's performances under Ten Hag.
'WE WILL IMPROVE'
He asked whether a consistent starting XI would enable the Red Devils to climb up the table by sealing a series of wins.
Ten Hag said: "I'm sure we can do. I'm sure we will improve if we get players back.
"Today was a solid performance - you see a base and a foundation we can improve on.
"You know as well, you need performances and then the points will come. I always want to improve the process and then the points will come.
"Sometimes you have to go more pragmatic, that is what we did in the last weeks but today I think it was an absolute improvement in performance."
United thought they had got an early lead when Scott McTominay finished but it was chalked off due to Maguire being offside in the build-up - despite not touching the ball.
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Andre Onana made a string of second-half saves to keep Fulham out.
But just as it looked to be heading for a goalless draw, the Cottagers failed to clear their lines and Fernandes punished them with a low finish into the corner.
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