Erik ten Hag calls on Mikel Artea & other managers to join him in ‘collective’ VAR action

Erik ten Hag has called on Premier League managers to work ‘collectively’ to deal with the referee and VAR issues that have impacted the start of the Premier League season.

The Manchester United manager has been unhappy with the decision-making of officials this season, most recently in the midweek loss to Copenhagen in the Champions League. But Ten Hag also was frustrated by the penalty given against Rasmus Hojlund in the recent Manchester derby, and bemoaned three decisions made by the referee - and those in Stockley Park - during the 3-1 loss to Arsenal in September.

Writing in his programme notes ahead of Saturday’s game against Luton Town, a disappointed Ten Hag claimed it feels like ‘nothing’ has gone United’s way this season and added: "I wonder what we have to do to enjoy some good luck."

Speaking separately to MUTV, Ten Hag said, in his view, it’s time for Premier League managers to come together and address their issues with the PGMOL, the body which governs referees.

“I think as managers collectively, we have to talk with the PGMOL to improve football and togetherness and find solutions and togetherness," said Ten Hag . "Not debate it in public.”

Ten Hag’s complaints come a week on from Mikel Arteta’s high-profile meltdown after Arsenal’s loss to Newcastle United, with the Spaniard claiming he ‘felt sick’ after Anthony Gordon’s match-winning goal was allowed to stand.

"I feel embarrassed. But I have to be the one now coming here to try to defend the club and please ask for help because it’s an absolute disgrace that this goal is allowed, it’s an absolute disgrace," Arteta said at St James’ Park.