Former Manchester United star Patrice Evra wants all at the club to focus on the present and not what might happen under incoming manager Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag, 52, will take over as United boss in the summer when interim manager Ralf Rangnick moves aside. The Dutchman has been charged with the task of bringing the good times back to Old Trafford. He has a monumental job ahead of him after a season which promised much but has failed to ignite.
Individual brilliance rather than a consistent team has kept the Red Devils challenging for a top-four berth. But, trailing fourth-placed Arsenal by six points and having played a game more, that is unlikely to happen.
Rangnick stated after watching his side lose 3-1 to the Gunners that the club’s top-four hopes had evaporated. And thoughts have already turned to what might happen in the off-season.
However, Evra does not see it that way. And he wants supporters to live in the here and now before switching allegiance to the new boss.
“Dear United fans, people keep asking me the question, ‘what do I think of Ten Hag?’ My answer is really simple,” he said in a video on Twitter. “Ten Hag is not the present, he is the really near future. That’s why I want you to focus on the present, even if the present doesn’t look that good.
“We have still got four games left for the Champions League spots. I know most of you don’t believe in our team, but me, I believe. I believe in our team, I believe in this badge and I believe that history never dies.”
Evra demands player loyalty
A number of Manchester United stars have come in for criticism this season, especially over the past few months. Performances have been poor, with big-name players failing to hit the heights.
And Evra, who made 379 appearances for the club, has urged only players who really care to grace the Theatre of Dreams.
“There’s a lot of negativity around the club, it’s not easy for you, but you have nothing to lose now,” he added. “You can’t play under pressure, just give everything.
“For the players that believe, wear that shirt. For the players that don’t believe, go and see Rangnick and say, ‘I don’t wanna play, my season is over.
“That’s the kind of message I wanna give you because that’s where we are. We’re thinking about the future but my philosophy is to focus on the present. If you think about the past, you will live with regret.
“Focus on the present, the present is we still have a chance with four games left, give everything.”
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