Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag bluntly reminds the team to act as one
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag spoke to a press conference (h/t Express) about the importance of defending and attacking as a team. The Dutchman said that it is his job to remind his players to act as a team and not as individuals.
United suffered three losses in five premier league games so far this season as they find themselves in 13th position.
The Red Devils were dismantled by Bayern Munich this Wednesday in the Champions League Group A opener. The English Giant lost the thrilling game 4-3, making it a third consecutive loss in all competition this season.
Ten Hag was adamant in this press conference (h/t Mirror) that things can only improve going forward if the players do their job collectively. He said:
“It’s about 11 players who do their job, I always tell my players we attack with 11 and defend with 11. When one or two are not doing their job, it’s like a pack of cards. So that is not only one or two players. When you are in a period like we are in, you are asking yourself these questions. My job is to get them to do the job. We have shown that we can do it.”
United have conceded 10 goals in five Premier League matches while only managing to keep one clean sheet. The Red Devils’ defensive frailties have come as a shock due to their largely strong defensive performances last season.
United’s former goalkeeper David De Gea won the Premier League Golden Glove Award with 17 clean sheets in Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford.
New goalkeeper André Onana has struggled with form while facing criticism for his howler for Bayern’s first goal this Saturday. The United manager remains adamant about the role of the whole team in their current predicament.
Ten Hag is correct in his overall assessment of the team as there are many vulnerabilities. The opposition have found it easy to go past United’s midfield and defence leaving Onana as the final hurdle.
More Manchester United News-
- Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea contemplating retirement
- Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker lashes out at “selfish” Marcus Rashford.
- Burnley manager Vincent Kompany tells Manchester United to give their manager Erik ten Hag need time to adapt and improve
We believe Ten Hag can turn the situation around for the club, given time, and rebuild the defence with the same fortification that was evident last season.
