Erik ten Hag insists his players have to “stand up” during what is likely to be a pivotal few days for the Manchester United manager.
United face Porto in the Europa League on Thursday evening before a trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, with Ten Hag’s position under increasing scrutiny following a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford last weekend.
United are 13th in the league table having won just two of their opening six games, and widespread reports suggest results in the next two games will likely decide Ten Hag’s fate.
The Manchester United manager previously told Sky Sports there was no need to panic and he was confident the club would have a successful season.
“Nothing for me to panic about” ❌
Erik ten Hag is confident his Manchester United side can sort out their problems 💪 pic.twitter.com/2nAstRgXZb
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 2, 2024
But at his press conference in Portugal on Wednesday – delayed by two hours after United’s travel was impacted by adverse weather – Ten Hag insisted the whole team needs to take responsibility for the club’s recent run of results.
He said: “Everyone has to take responsibility and that starts with me as the manager.
“But on the pitch we have leadership skills and they have to stand up.
“Every game for us is important and every opponent is 100% motivated.
“We have to be ready to compete and fight with them.”
Reflecting on the defeat to Spurs, Ten Hag admitted he was not happy with the outcome but urged his side to use it as motivation going forward.
He said: “We are mad, mad with ourselves, especially when you lose a game like Sunday. But you have to deal with it.
“We are mad, and from the madness we have to get motivation.”
Erik reveals the latest on our options for tomorrow’s game against Porto 💬👇#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 2, 2024
Ahead of the game at the Estadio do Dragao on Thursday, Ten Hag revealed Mason Mount will not be in the squad after suffering a head injury against Tottenham.
Kobbie Mainoo, who was also forced off in the game against Spurs, was involved in Wednesday’s training session and is included in the squad along with defender Harry Maguire, who sat out on Sunday due to a knock.
Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw are all still unavailable.
Asked if the players have belief, Ten Hag added: “I have seen so many games on Sunday where we are completely confident.
“City in the FA Cup and Community Shield, you see the team have such a great belief in the plan and in each other.”
