Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has urged the club’s fans to have patience with him following a string of disappointing results, including a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth. The team’s winless streak now stretches to four games, with draws against Liverpool and Brentford, as well as a loss to Chelsea. This has resulted in United slipping to seventh place in the Premier League table, jeopardizing their chances of qualifying for the Champions League and even the Europa League.
Ten Hag acknowledged that the result against Bournemouth was not satisfactory, stating, “We know when you’re coming into the final stage of the season, this is not enough. And the truth is, today, we didn’t deserve more.” He highlighted the team’s defensive vulnerabilities, insisting on the importance of taking control of the game and not allowing opponents to create chances. The manager emphasized the need for consistency throughout the game, as United have been dropping points from winning positions in recent matches.
Despite the struggles, Ten Hag found some positives in the team’s resilience and character, noting that they fought back from losing positions twice against Bournemouth. However, he emphasized the need to avoid falling behind in matches, as it puts unnecessary pressure on the team. The manager pointed out the defensive lapses that led to Bournemouth’s goals, particularly in the first half where United were dominated by their opponents.
In the second half against Bournemouth, United showed improvement and managed to salvage a point with a penalty from Bruno Fernandes. Ten Hag praised Fernandes and Harry Maguire for their performances, with the former captain showing leadership and the latter overcoming a first-half struggle. The manager highlighted the importance of maintaining defensive discipline and staying organized, especially in crucial moments of the game. He also acknowledged the debatable nature of the penalties awarded in recent matches, including the one that led to United’s equalizer against Bournemouth.
Looking ahead, Ten Hag emphasized the need for the team to play to their full potential consistently and avoid costly mistakes. He called for a collective effort from the players to achieve better results and improve their position in the league. With key players like Maguire and Fernandes stepping up, the manager remains hopeful that United can turn their season around and finish strong. Despite the challenges they face, Ten Hag remains determined to address the team’s issues and restore confidence among the fans, urging them to trust the process and have faith in the team’s abilities.
