Erik ten Hag has said that he was urged not to take over as manager of Manchester United because it was deemed a “impossible” position.

The 53-year-old Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford from Ajax in 2022 but has faced criticism in his second season.

United are sixth in the Premier League rankings after a 2-1 win against Chelsea on Wednesday evening, nine points behind leaders Arsenal, and have struggled in Europe.

“Everyone told me, ‘you can’t succeed in that job,'” Ten Hag told the fanzine United We Stand.

“They said it couldn’t be done. Me? I was looking for a challenge.

“I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but it was such a fantastic club with a fantastic fanbase.”

“People either love Manchester United or hate Manchester United.” This type of club appeals to me. This was how Ajax was.”

Ten Hag ended the club’s six-year quest for silverware by winning the Carabao Cup in February, followed by a third-place finish in the league.

However, his team has been off the pace this season, with six defeats in 15 league games, as well as lying bottom of their Champions League group with one encounter remaining – at home to Bayern Munich next week.