07 October 2023 , 11:08
1294
0
Erik ten Hag has made it crystal clear that he and his players have to front up to recent results after overseeing Manchester United 's worst start to a season in 37 years.
The Red Devils have lost four of their seven Premier League fixtures so far this term and are bottom of Group A in the Champions League after suffering back-to-back defeats against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
Summer signing Rasmus Hojlund has, at least, been a rare bright spark for United in recent weeks. The £72million striker bagged a brace in the 3-2 loss against Galatasaray in midweek but admitted that the club is currently in the midst of a "crisis" after the match.
When he was asked what was behind United's current struggles, the Denmark international told CBS Sports: “It's hard to tell. I think we need to build a better togetherness and to build this confidence in the group again. Right now we need to improve together and stick together, that's the only way we can get out of this crisis.
“You can say so [a lack of confidence is responsible]. It's about being proud and fighting for the badge. We need to deliver more to our fans and give more back to the club.”
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
Much like Hojlund, Ten Hag is well aware of the predicament United currently find themselves in. And with the pressure on him increasing by the week, he pulled no punches in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's match against Brentford, where he made it clear that he and his team have to make things right.
Do you think Ten Hag can turn it around at Man Utd? Let us know here.
Rasmus Hojlund admitted Manchester United are in "crisis" following their defeat against Galatasaray (CBS Sports)Speaking about United's current plight, Ten Hag insisted: “We have to deal with it. It doesn’t make any sense to think about it. We have to deal with it. It gives me more energy to fight and turn this around. I'm responsible for having the right mentality. In my communication, my demands and my standards, in what I demand from the players.
“I have to set that and make sure the right mentality is there. I give my 100 per cent effort every day to get that in. So don’t think about what’s going around in the surrounding environment. Focus on what it's about – and that is to be a good team.
“The foundation is the way of play. When you follow that, you will have a foundation and win games. We know we are still in transition as a club, but in the meantime we know we have to win every game.
“We don’t walk away from that – not this team, not these coaches and not this manager. No, definitely not. We have to win every game – that is the approach and will be the approach to every game. It’s about patience and a cool head. We stick together and focus on what it's about – that's the way of play.”