In his acceptance speech at the Football Writers’ Association awards for northern managers, Erik ten Hag pledged to improve Manchester United to “higher goals.”

Ten Hag came under increasing pressure after Manchester City and Newcastle each defeated United at home by 3-0. However, on Saturday afternoon, United secured a crucial victory in a must-win match at Craven Cottage.

Due to the late goal of Bruno Fernandes, United defeated Fulham 1-0; this result has provided Ten Hag with some breathing room.

United will travel to F.C. Copenhagen on Wednesday for another Champions League match that must be won. Prior to the international break, Luton Town will visit Old Trafford.

On Sunday, Ten Hag attended the FWA’s Northern Managers Awards evening, where he was presented with a trophy in recognition of guiding United to the Carabao Cup in the previous campaign, thereby ending the club’s trophy drought.

While receiving the award on stage, he delivered a speech at the dinner celebration in which he pledged to set more ambitious goals for United as their manager.

“I’m delighted to be here and to receive this reward; I have no doubt that we are proceeding in the correct way. Ten Hag expressed his sincere gratitude to the football writers for bestowing upon him this esteemed award in his acceptance remarks.

“The Carabao Cup accomplishment we had last year was modest, but we did reach the FA Cup final, which is disheartening but insufficient. However, as numerous managers and players are aware, it is not often that a team amasses a significant number of trophies.

“However, winning such a trophy necessitates a celebration, as it is an extremely rare and momentous occasion that not many are granted.” We are still extremely satisfied with what we have accomplished, but it is not sufficient at Manchester United. Our objectives are more ambitious and we must strive to achieve them.”

Ten Hag was commended for his attendance at the FWA award night in contrast to the majority of Premier League managers.