Erik ten Hag insists his struggling Manchester United team are “moving forward” and has demanded his players show the character required to see off Galatasaray in the Champions League tomorrow night.
United’s 1-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday meant it was their worst start to a Premier League season and their worst in the top flight since 1989-90.
It also piled more pressure on Ten Hag but the Dutchman came out fighting on Monday, claiming he has seen progression in his team while also citing the club’s lengthy injury list.
He said: “The team is moving forward but we have to make adjustments as well. When you don’t have a left-back, we have to change and we did.
“At the end of the day, it’s about results and we didn’t get the result we were looking for [against Crystal Palace], which is very disappointing.”
Ten Hag is expecting his players to put that performance to one side when the Turkish champions arrive at Old Trafford.
“Experienced players know how to deal with this and it’s not the first time we are in this situation because that is a career. It’s not only highlights, it’s a journey and that will have bumps.
“Now it’s about the character, what you have to show and how to get out [of this situation]. There are many positives but also things we need to improve on.”
Ten Hag confirmed winger Antony can “probably return” having spoken to Greater Manchester Police last week regarding allegations of domestic abuse. The player strongly denies any wrongdoing.
And the United boss will also hope striker Marcus Rashford can rediscover his scoring touch having netted just once in the Premier League this season.
“The facts are he’s not scoring at this moment but he’s had opportunities,” said Ten Hag. “Against Brighton he was in a very good spot five or six times.
“If he works hard and invests every day, with the right focus and if the team around him supplies and helps him, and supports him with movement, then it will come. Marcus Rashford is a player who is capable of scoring a goal in every game.”
