Erik ten Hag has backed his Manchester United side to bounce back from the latest disappointment in the Premier League after the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United last weekend.
The Dutchman was brutally blunt in his post-match assessment, admitting that Newcastle wanted to win more than his team in what became the third successive game United have failed to win in the Premier League.
With the fixture schedule intensifying with each week, there is very little time to reflect on the trip to St. James Park, with Brentford visiting Old Trafford in less than 48 hours.
Speaking ahead of that game, Ten Hag has insisted that his side will bounce back after doing so already on a number of occasions this season.
“It’s normal. In a season you have setbacks, and you have to deal with that,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying on the official Manchester United website.
“We did that so many times, recently after [losing to] Liverpool we came back so I don’t have that concern. I believe in my team.
“I believe they will bounce back.”
The defeat to Newcastle pushed the Reds down to fourth place but they could end this round of fixtures outside the top four, with Monday evening’s game between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur completing the table.
SN’s verdict…
United looked to be fairly comfortable in their league position but a surprising slump in form means that there is no margin for error between now and the end of the season.
Competing on all fronts throughout the campaign is certainly takings its toll but Ten Hag will be glad to welcome Casemiro and Christian Eriksen back shortly, with winger Alejandro Garnacho also believed to be closing in on a return.
It is, however, paramount that this poor run comes to an end immediately and that means getting all three points on Wednesday against Brentford.
