Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure to turn Manchester United’s season around after another poor start to the season, with the Dutchman’s side starting this campaign worse than last year.
United have just six points from their first five games and have now suffered back-to-back defeats in the Premier League following the 3-1 loss to Brighton at Old Trafford this weekend.
In addition to a deteriorating side on the pitch, Ten Hag is dealing with a number of problems off the pitch. Mason Greenwood’s future, allegations against Antony and a very public feud with Jadon Sancho have dominated headlines in the last couple of weeks.
On the pitch, United are struggling to make it work and despite a good start against Brighton, United deserved to lose and Ten Hag has now delivered his post-match verdict.
“We are disappointed. But it was really small margins,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports, via the BBC.
“We are so close against a good side. The first 20 minutes was all ours. We created chances but didn’t score. We conceded a goal with their first attack. We then had a period in the game that was quite difficult, we fought to get a goal and it was disallowed. So it is difficult in this period. It has not fallen on our side, but we will fight back and if we stick together, play as a team, stick to the rules, we will return.
“There’s always some improvements to make, especially the organisation. But is was not our day.
“The second goal was straight after half-time. Second chance second goal, very clinical. It was a setback we did not deal with so good. but we have to keep positive in such moments and stick together and you will get back onto the game.
“You learn many things from such a game. From the mental side, you can keep strong in moments but I have seen some good stuff. the way we created many chances we are just not finishing them, but that will change.”
United are desperate to turned things around but they face yet another tough task next week when they make the trip to face Bayern Munich in the opening round of Champions League games.
A defeat against the German champions could seriously affect the morale at the club and that’s something Ten Hag will be stressing to avoid.
