After a disastrous start to the season, Erik ten Hag stated on Friday that Manchester United is working together to try to turn their fortunes around.
Just over a month into the new season, the Red Devils have dropped four of their first six games across all competitions, leaving the Dutch manager with a major challenge on his hands.
United, who are currently in 13th position in the Premier League and have lost 18 of their last 35 away games in all competitions, travel to play struggling Burnley on Saturday.
Ten Hag, whose squad last season placed third in the table and overcame a six-year trophy drought, remarked, “It’s my second year.”
“I know it’s not always up; there will be gaps, but as long as you stick together, which is what we are doing, you grow from them.
“At United you fight,” says the locker room personnel, “all the staff, coaches, medical.”
There have been reports of tension in the locker room, and the players’ demeanor has also come under scrutiny.
In his pre-game news conference, Ten Hag attempted to cast a more upbeat light on the situation, saying: “I don’t know whether it’s a leak but I know the opinion(s), I know my guys. Everyone is welcome to offer recommendations, and we accept them.
The journey to Burnley for United is under pressure due to their recent struggles, and they will once again play without Jadon Sancho, who is still not in the team following an altercation with the boss.
The former Borussia Dortmund winger’s future with the team is now unknown.
Ten Hag said, “It depends on him. “We are focusing on Burnley and preparing for them for the time being. He won’t be on the team.
Injuries have had a major impact on United. Before the game at Turf Moor, Raphael Varane, Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat, and Harry Maguire were scheduled to practice, but Ten Hag was hesitant to say whether or not they would be ready.
With 14 goals allowed in their last five games, United’s defensive frailty has been at the heart of their issues.
In this week’s 4-3 Champions League loss, goalkeeper Andre Onana put up his hands after making a mistake that led to Bayern’s opening goal, but Ten Hag thinks the issues are systemic.
“It’s about the team, and, as a team, we don’t have the results in this moment, so then also individuals don’t bring the performance you expect, not only one player, there are more, including the manager,” he remarked.
We attack with 11 and defend with 11, I constantly remind my guys. It’s like a pack of cards when one or two people are not performing their duties, so it’s not just one or two players.
