Scott McTominay admitted the atmosphere in the Manchester United dressing room has at times been “toxic” under previous manager but insisted the entire squad was behind Erik ten Hag.
The conversation around Ten Hag’s position intensified following the dismal 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth on Saturday, a performance all the more baffling given how good United were in beating Chelsea three days earlier.
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That inconsistency has plagued Ten Hag’s side throughout the season and means their Champions League hopes are hanging by a thread going into tomorrow night’s game against Bayern Munich.
The Red Devils must beat the German champions and hope the other Group A game between Copenhagen and Galatasaray finishes in a draw in order to finish second, though a victory will at least guarantee them a third-place finish and Europa League football.
There have been reports Ten Hag doesn’t have the backing of all the players at Old Trafford but McTominay, who has played under Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick during his time at the club, says that is categorically untrue.
He said: “It’s the players’ responsibility [to improve results]. We’ve got some big characters in the dressing room and, unlike [under] some of the managers where it has been a little toxic at times, the boys are behind the manager, that’s the be all and end all and that’s the way it will stay.
“People can get carried away with what the players are saying behind closed doors. We just want to do well for the football club.”
🎤 “The faith from the manager has been massive for me and you want to repay that as much as you can,” Scott says.
“Whenever I get the opportunity, I want to take it and show I can help the team.” 👊#MUFC || #UCL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) DECEMBER 11, 2023
Scotland midfielder McTominay accepts United need to find some consistency, however, if they want to achieve their ambitions this season.
“We know the inconsistency we’ve had,” he added, “we’re not naïve to that.
“We have spoken about it as a group with the coaching staff. For us the schedule is relentless but we can’t blame it on that. We have to come together as a group and figure out why we are slightly inconsistent at this moment in time.
“The boys are doing everything they can to contribute and give their best whenever they are on the pitch.”
