Ten Hag: It’s my way or highway
ERIK TEN HAG has publicly ordered his Manchester United stars to follow his tactical plan against Liverpool – after they ignored his demands at Brentford.
The Dutch boss was furious United players disregarded his instructions in the 4-0 humiliation in west London a week ago.
And he’s demanded they run until they drop against Liverpool after being out-worked by
Thomas Frank’s men in one of the darkest days in the club’s recent history.
Ten Hag was angry at the way his stars crumbled – but he believes they ARE capable of pulling around a potentially disastrous season.
He said: “Naturally, we are disappointed with how our first two games have gone. I have made my thoughts clear on those performances to the players in private, and it is clear that we have to do much better against Liverpool.
“That means following plans and making better decisions at key moments in the game.
“Most importantly, it means at least matching the opposition’s effort and desire to win.
“I demand a lot of the players, but also of myself. I am always learning, and I will continue to give all my time and energy to get this club on the right path.
“I knew when I came to Manchester United that there was a big job to do and that I would need to be patient, as will everybody around the club.
“But I also know that these players are able to do it, and with patience from our supporters they will get there sooner rather than later.”
Ten Hag told match-day programme The United Review,: “We are in the very early days of the work we have to do here to deliver the success we all want for Manchester United.
“What we are trying to build – a winning team with an attractive, dynamic style of play – will take time to achieve.
“But that does not remove the responsibility for us to set out to win every game that we play, as we will aim to do against our great rivals Liverpool.
“I was disappointed for our supporters at the Brighton and Brentford games because they have deserved much better than what they have seen.
“I have heard about the special atmosphere inside Old Trafford for games against Liverpool and I am looking forward to experiencing it tonight because our fans have an important role to play in getting behind the team.
“This is a fixture that the world stops to watch, so we all know that we will have to battle in each second to get the result we want.”
United meanwhile are hoping to conclude the £68million deal with Real Madrid for Casemiro (above).
The 30-year-old Brazilian could be unveiled to the crowd ahead of the game with Liverpool and is expected to be available for United’s trip to Southampton on Saturday.