Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has challenged his struggling team to make a significant improvement against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Red Devils were thrashed 3-1 at Old Trafford by Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton, and several of Ten Hag’s decisions attracted boos from the crowd.
However, the Dutchman remains optimistic that he can keep them on track despite rising pressure.
Ten Hag’s team has now lost three of their first five league games this season, with only six points to show for their dismal start to the new season.
It is their lowest point total at this stage since 2014, when they had five points from five under Louis van Gaal.
Ten Hag now faces a stiff challenge in their Champions League group stage opening against Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich, with Harry Kane in excellent form after scoring four goals in as many games since his £100m move.
And the 53-year-old has stated unequivocally that he expects his team to rise to the occasion at the Allianz Arena.
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“Bayern Munich, I think, is one of the favourites to win the Champions League, so we have to be good there,” Ten Hag told reporters, as quoted by The Mirror.
“But I think I have already explained what we need there. We need character, belief, resilience, determination – absolutely.”
🚨🚨🎙️| Erik ten Hag: “Bayern Munich I think is one of the favourites to win the Champions League so we have to be good against them. But I think I have already explained what we need. We need character, belief, resilience, determination – absolutely.” pic.twitter.com/eon0a4EmI0
— centredevils. (@centredevils) September 17, 2023
Several issues have darkened the cloud hanging over Old Trafford at the moment, with Ten Hag’s public feud with Jadon Sancho showing no signs of a positive conclusion, while £85m signing Antony is currently away from the squad.
And it appeared Manchester United are struggling to find inspiration during a tough time.
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