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Gab Marcotti and Don Hutchison debate what’s happening with Man United after their loss to Newcastle (1:36).
Erik ten Hag admitted that “one or two” of his players approached him for advice on how to improve Manchester United’s form, but said his side were heading in the right direction despite the tenth defeat of the season against Newcastle.
United went 1-0 at St James’ Park on Saturday and fell to seventh place in the Premier League. They face Chelsea at Old Trafford on Wednesday and Bournemouth at home on Saturday before a Champions League decider against Bayern Munich next week.
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“I pay attention to my players and give them the opportunity to express themselves. If the players have a different opinion, of course I will pay attention to them,” Ten Hag told a press conference on Tuesday.
“But they didn’t tell me. Or maybe one or two. But it’s the majority, they need to play like that: proactive, dynamic, courageous, that’s what they need.
“You can see that the players are appreciative of the performances against Everton and Galatasaray. You can see we’re really improving. “
United finished third and won the Carabao Cup in a positive first season under Ten Hag, but the new crusade began with 10 defeats in 21 games in all competitions.
They are already nine Premier League leaders, Arsenal, and they are at the bottom of their Champions League organisation and on the brink of elimination.
Despite all this, Ten Hag said his situation is improving.
“We know we’re still in transition and we’re going in the right direction,” he added.
“You see how we build a team, we expand it, the team progresses, how young players come in and you see the future and how they can contribute to Manchester United’s good fortune in the future. “
After the defeat at Newcastle, United’s Marcus Rashford was criticised for his lack of effort.
Rashford felt himself receding when Newcastle attacked before being substituted in the 61st minute.
“We are robots,” Ten Hag said. If you play 3 games in six days, tough games, and yes, in the end, tiredness can be a problem. It can never be an excuse, but it’s there. Against Galatasaray Unlike Everton, we played very well.
“Against Newcastle we weren’t satisfied with our performance. We’re the first to say it, the players are the first, they’re so self-critical that they admit it. We know. We need to do more than that. “