Premier League
Manchester United’s Transition Period Is Not An Excuse – Says Erik Ten Hag
Manchester United are in a transition period, as well as dealing with injuries, but this cannot be used as an excuse, manager Erik ten Hag said on Thursday.
Ten Hag’s side, who are still without the injured Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw, has suffered defeats in their last two Premier League matches, including a 3-0 loss at home to Liverpool.
However, the manager chose to overlook the criticism.
“It doesn’t impact me, I know in the process where we are and what we have to do, where we are going,” Ten Hag told a press conference ahead of Saturday’s game at Southampton.
“We are still in a transition period; we have to integrate a lot of young players, and we are still dealing with injuries.
“Before anyone thinks about excuses, no, we have to win every game. I know that the team knows this, and it doesn’t matter who is available, and we will focus on every game and have in every game, the mindset we have to win.”
Despite the poor results, the manager says that the team is going in the right direction.
“Of course, when you see the scores, no one is happy, and also, the players have a very good sense of the quality of the process,” Ten Hag said.
“Also, when you analyze the games, all the games so far, we are in a good direction. When you are in a transition period and have to build the team we have to improve and step up.
“We will see where we are in May next year, it’s very early in the season.”
Erik Ten Hag comment on Ronaldo’s words
Ten Hag was asked about recent comments made by former United player Cristiano Ronaldo that a Manchester United manager cannot say they are not going to fight to win the league title or the Champions League.
The Dutchman chose to emphasize Ronaldo’s other remarks, in which he stated that the club requires time to undergo a rebuilding process.
“He said that Manchester United can’t win the Premier League. He said this, if you read the article very well,” Ten Hag said.
“He is far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester. Everyone can have an opinion.”
The manager confirmed that neither forward Hojlund nor defender Shaw would be available for the trip to Southampton. Both players are yet to play this season due to injuries but are making good progress
Midfielder Manuel Ugarte, however, could make his debut after signing from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day, despite only returning from international duty with Uruguay on Thursday.
United currently sits in 14th place in the standings with three points, while Southampton is placed second from the bottom and has yet to earn a point this season.
