19.4 C
Manchester
Friday, September 5, 2025
FootballManchester United going 'in good direction', Ten Hag says despite results

Manchester United going ‘in good direction’, Ten Hag says despite results

Manchester United’s results show the club is going “in a good direction”, manager Erik ten Hag has said despite his side’s thrashing by Liverpool before the international break in their second consecutive defeat.

United’s only points in their first three games have come courtesy of Joshua Zirkzee’s 87th-minute winner in their home opener against Fulham, which was followed by a 2-1 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion and a 3-0 reverse at the hands of the Reds at Old Trafford on September 1.

“It doesn’t impact me,” Ten Hag said when he was asked whether he has been affected by renewed scrutiny over his position, pointing out that one of his critics, former United top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, is “far away from Manchester”

“I know in the process where we are, what we have to do, where we are going. We are still in a transition process, we have to integrate a lot of young players.”

Man United injuries

“We still have to deal with injuries and bring players back into the team,” added Ten Hag. “Before anyone thinks about excuses – no, we have to win every game.

“I know that. The team knows this. We will focus on every game and have in every game the mindset that we have to win.”

United’s top scorer last season, Rasmus Hojlund, and defender Luke Shaw are “progressing very well” in their returns from injuries but will not feature at Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday (12.30pm BST), Ten Hag added.

Centre-backs Victor Lindelof and Leny Yoro, left-back Tyrell Malacia and midfielder Mason Mount remain out but captain Bruno Fernandes is likely to have recovered from a knock he sustained in Portugal’s Uefa Nations League home win over Scotland on Sunday.

Manchester United vs Southampton

Manuel Ugarte, who completed his move to United for an initial £42 million from Paris St-Germain on September 1, could be given his debut in United’s first match after fellow defensive midfielder Casemiro was substituted at half-time following crucial errors against Liverpool.

“When you see the scores, no-one is happy,” said Ten Hag, who was expected to be sacked after last season’s FA Cup final but signed a new contract during the summer.

“Players have a very good sense of the process, of the quality of the process. When you analyse all the games so far, we are in a good direction.

“But it is normal, in a transition period when you build a team, that you have to improve and step up.

“We have good characters. You feel the team spirit. Now it is about getting the patterns and routines in… so everyone sees the quality we have on the training pitch.”

Latest

Platform81 Expands Workforce with Five New Specialists in PPC and Web Development

Platform81, a fast-growing digital marketing agency with offices in Stockport, Bromsgrove and Trowbridge, has enhanced its team with five new appointments across its PPC...

Healing power of knowledge: How learning about your condition can change everything

For many individuals, receiving a diagnosis can be likened to a door suddenly closing. The confusion: a surge of new terminology. That rising sense...

Why more UK homeowners are delaying their next move

The UK housing market has entered an unprecedented period of stagnation, with transaction volumes plummeting to levels not seen since the financial crisis of...

The Office Providers Releases Salford Quays Office Space Directory As District Approaches Anniversary

Manchester office agency has published a Salford Quays workspace directory as the waterfront district approaches the 20th anniversary of the BBC choosing it as...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Corporate event catering in Manchester – Who does it best?

When it comes to planning a corporate event, one detail that makes a lasting impression is the catering. Whether you’re hosting a team meeting,...

The Office Providers Releases Salford Quays Office Space Directory As District Approaches Anniversary

Manchester office agency has published a Salford Quays workspace directory as the waterfront district approaches the 20th anniversary of the BBC choosing it as...

Manchester corporate gift company setting the standard for ethical business

At a time when many companies are prioritising profit over purpose, one Manchester-based business is proving that ethics and enterprise can go hand in...

Platform81 Expands Workforce with Five New Specialists in PPC and Web Development

Platform81, a fast-growing digital marketing agency with offices in Stockport, Bromsgrove and Trowbridge, has enhanced its team with five new appointments across its PPC...

More News

bet365 becomes official global partner of UEFA Champions League

bet365, one of the world’s leading online betting companies, has announced a historic sponsorship agreement, becoming the first official sports betting partner of the...

Manchester United: Getafe hope to keep Greenwood

Getafe president Angel Torres is confident Mason Greenwood will return to the Spanish club on loan next season if Manchester United can’t sell him...

Crystal Palace 4-0 Man Utd: Olise stars as Red Devils torn apart at Selhurst Park

Manchester United's terrible season reached a new low on Monday as Erik ten Hag's under-fire team were thrashed 4-0 by Crystal Palace at Selhurst...