by Erik ten Hag has warned Leeds United that sacking manager Jesse Marsch won’t guarantee an upturn in results.
Leeds axed Marsch just two days before Wednesday’s clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford following a dismal run of seven Premier League games without a win.
Some clubs have enjoyed a ‘bounce’ when changing manager this season. Unai Emery beat United in his first game in charge of Aston Villa in November; and Everton’s Sean Dyche was the latest to get off to a winning start.
But Southampton, Bournemouth and Wolves are still battling for survival with Leeds and Everton towards the foot of the table, and Ten Hag insists that wielding the axe doesn’t always get results.
‘It’s always sad if a manager, a colleague, gets sacked,’ said the United manager. ‘In general I don’t believe in it, that you sack a manager and get better results.
‘Most of the time it doesn’t work. Let the manager finish their work and make a good evaluation.
‘But obviously the pressure is high with decision-makers at football clubs and they turn. But if you see the facts, most of the time it doesn’t work out well.
‘Against Villa, the difference when Emery came in was they had a week to prepare, and now they (Leeds) don’t have so much time to prepare.’
Wednesday’s game will be Ten Hag’s first taste of the intense rivalry between United and Leeds who meet again at Elland Road on Sunday, but he showed a good grasp of history on Tuesday.
‘It’s about the match of the Roses,’ he added. ‘It’s definitely a big game in this part of England. We know we have Manchester City and Liverpool, but for our fans this means so much. Our players are aware of that and know what to do.’
Antony has been ruled out with a leg injury, and Ten Hag – who will also be without the suspended Casemiro – confirmed that neither Anthony Martial or Scott McTominay are ready to return.
Martial’s hip problem is the latest in a series of injuries that have held him back this season. In fact, the Frenchman has not played 90 minutes in the Premier League in more than two years.
‘Martial has spent the most hours at Carrington this season, to recover and get back,’ said Ten Hag. ‘It is really a pity for him that he is disappointed.’
