After falling to their 8th Premier League loss of the season vs West Ham, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has called for unity within the team to reverse the current run of results.
The Red Devils suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham on Saturday, with goals from Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus securing the win for the home side.
In a post-match media discussion at the London Stadium, Ten Hag addressed the team’s goal-scoring struggles and expressed his confidence in the players’ ability to improve in the upcoming matches.
The Dutchman emphasized the importance of sticking together during challenging times and working collectively to bring about a positive change in fortunes.
The defeat to West Ham marked another setback for Manchester United, raising questions about their goal-scoring prowess and overall performance.
Ten Hag acknowledged the need for improvement but remained optimistic about the team’s potential to bounce back.
As the manager, Ten Hag plays a crucial role in motivating and guiding the players through challenging periods.
His call for unity suggests a focus on team cohesion and a collective effort to overcome obstacles. Manchester United will be looking to regroup and rediscover their winning form in the upcoming fixtures.
The comments from Ten Hag on United’s official handle underscore the significance of a united front, both on and off the pitch, as Manchester United navigates a demanding season.
The team’s response to adversity will be closely watched, and the manager’s belief in the players’ capabilities will be a driving force in their quest for success.
POST MATCH INTERVIEW
What are your thoughts on today?
“We didn’t score the goal. The meaning of the first goal [is so important]. I think we were controlling the game and didn’t give West Ham United anything, and we created three good chances and we didn’t take them. And then one moment of switching off and we are down, we are losing the game and I think that is how I see the performance.”
Do you think with these forwards – that’s four games without a goal now – that you can have a successful season, or do you have to bring in reinforcements?
“As I said before, we have players who can do it. They proved it in the past. They can do it. But we also have to acknowledge the facts that we didn’t do, as a team. And so, yes, we have to take responsibility. And yes, of course, football is about winning games and it’s about scoring goals.”
Once again it feels like one step forward and one step backwards. What gives you the confidence that you can turn this around now?
“That, first of all, we have issues. We have had many setbacks, injuries, etc, but the players who are on the pitch are good enough to win the game. So then it’s also about getting into the box and make sure you are there. Make sure you have the willingness to arrive there and you have the willingness and the clinical [nature] to score a goal.”
But do you feel that you and these players can turn this around?
“They are capable of it. I know Rashford can score a goal, Hojlund can score a goal, Antony can score a goal, Garnacho can score a goal, Bruno can score a goal, Scott McTominay can score a goal. So, yeah, we have the scoring abilities in our squad and also from set plays. In this moment, we are not doing it and they have to stick together, but also they have to believe in themselves that they can do it and that they get there, where you have to be, and where you have to score. And that is in the box, and especially in the double six-yard box. There, you have to arrive as a striker, or when we attack with 11, with one of them, or best, with more than them.”
Specifically on Rasmus Hojlund, he came off before the hour today. Do you get to a point where you feel like you need to protect him a bit? Because he looked like a player lacking confidence, even when he got the ball in a good position from Fernandes, he couldn’t do anything with it. Are you worried about him psychologically?
“No. I think he’s a very strong character and he can deal with the stress. I took him off. He was ill during the week and so he had a little lack of power. So, yeah, in that sense, I protected him. We have to play two more games this week. But we can’t feel sorry for ourselves. No one. And we have to take the responsibility. If you are playing for Manchester United you have to do it together, but everyone has to be accountable and take responsibility.”
At the final whistle, all the players, including those on the bench, went over to applaud the travelling fans that were still there, except for Marcus Rashford, who went straight down the tunnel. Does that disappoint you?
“I haven’t seen it.”
But is that disappointing when it comes two days before Christmas?
“I’m not sure if that happened.”
Manchester United used to be the byword for fight-backs, ‘Fergie time’, and so forth. When this team go behind they seem to give up. How do you turn that around?
“First of all, it’s the meaning of the first goal, and when you’re controlling the game and you have to take the goal. But, of course, when you are not scoring the first goal, you have to show character and personality as a team, and you have to fight back.”
