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.”
“He’s far away from Manchester” 👀
Erik ten Hag responds to Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments 🗣 PIC.TWITTER.COM/TXOMW91UP9
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) SEPTEMBER 12, 2024
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.
“United need to rebuild everything” 👀
Ronaldo questions Erik ten Hag’s mentality as Manchester United manager 🧠 PIC.TWITTER.COM/ZONOL6EGL9
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) SEPTEMBER 12, 2024
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.”
