Erik ten Hag’s pre-match comments didn’t go down well among Manchester United fans.

Manchester United fans have accused Erik ten Hag of ‘making excuses already’ after hearing what he said during his pre-match press conference ahead of their Premier League opener.

Man United open their 2024/25 campaign with a home fixture against Fulham on Friday.

New signing Matthijs de Ligt has trained for the first time since his transfer from Bayern Munich and he’s made an instant impression among Man United fans.

And supporters have also spoken out on Ten Hag’s pre-match comments.

Speaking in his pre-match presser, the Dutch boss claimed his team is ‘not ready’ for the new season.

“The team is not ready, but the league starts. We can’t hide from it. We have to deal with it,” he told reporters.

Man United supporters made their feelings clear regarding the 54-year-old’s comments as they believe he’s making excuses already.

One X user wrote: “Doesn’t help himself. The negativity allows players a ready made excuse. And I’m all for him being manager for a long time. Just think these quotes embarrass him.”

A third added: “Making excuses already.”

Another commented: “Weird thing to say. This guy spreads his own negativity I swear.”

A fifth questioned: “How do the players feel when they hear excuses like this already? He doesn’t help himself at times – FYI I’m a Ten Hag fan and I am desperate for him to do well.”

Erik ten Hag during a Manchester United training session. Image: Getty

Ten Hag also touched on his side’s targets for the new season, explaining: “We know our targets, we know that we are in the right direction, we know we have won two trophies, we know our game model, so now we have to integrate the new players and if they can improve the game model and improve the team levels. And take it from there…”

The Red Devils boss also confirmed that De Ligt and fellow new signing Noussair Mazraoui will be in the squad for their league clash against Fulham.