‘This is just not good enough’

ERIK TEN HAG said he understood the booing from Manchester United fans following the club’s worst start to a season in 34 years, writes Chris Wheeler.

United’s defeat by Crystal Palace at Old Trafford was their fourth in seven

Premier League games this season, equalling the dismal record in 1989 that almost led to Alex Ferguson losing his job.

‘I understand,’ said Ten Hag (below). ‘We play at home and we play Crystal Palace, we have to win, with all respect. I know every game in the Premier League is difficult. You have to play your best and I understand fans expect the best.

‘It’s a bad start and we have to catch up. We have to do better. This isn’t good enough.’

The latest setback was all the more disappointing after successive wins over Burnley and Palace in the Carabao

Cup on

Tuesday had raised hopes that United’s poor start was behind them. Asked if he fears an up and down season, Ten Hag said: ‘Of course, that is the concern and we have to be more consistent. The demand is we get a row of wins and we have to do better than we do now.

‘I can give you reasons but you will explain it as an excuse and there are no excuses.

‘We need to win. It is not a matter of luck, you can’t explain it like this.’

Palace boss Roy Hodgson became only the second manager after Pep

Guardiola to win three Premier League games in a row at Old Trafford.

‘It is my favourite [result] at the moment, but there might be others,’ said Hodgson.

‘The work I have done since coming back to England has been with teams that have not been in the same ballpark as Man United, which makes it even more satisfying if you can come away with a result.

‘All credit to the players, especially as Tuesday here was so disappointing.’