Erik ten Hag’s resolve remains as he vows to change Manchester United mentality

Erik ten Hag has vowed to change the mentality at Manchester United after a chastening start to the season, but the Dutch boss says he has overcome difficult starts again and will “get it done” again.

Two defeats from two Premier League games has seen the pre-season optimism dissolve. United’s emphatic win over Liverpool in Bangkok has been quickly forgotten as defeats to Brighton and Brentford left them at the bottom of the table heading into the weekend.

Next up is a Premier League tussle with Jurgen Klopp’s men which will prove to be a different proposition to their 4-0 success in July, in which Klopp fielded three different teams.

Another league defeat will mean United will have started the season with three straight losses for the first time since 1986. Ten Hag though remains confident he can turn the tide.

“I’m not here for myself,” the former Ajax boss said. “I’m here to help the club and to restore the club.

“I knew before this is a challenge and I wanted this challenge. I knew before it was going to be hard but I wanted that because in my career, everywhere I started, the start was difficult.

“But I get it done – and I’m convinced I’ll get it done here as well. Therefore I choose this project.

“I knew it’s a process and I will stay consistent to the philosophy and to the plan we had. And I keep confidence in the cooperation I have in the players definitely but also the team around, like the coaches and the directors.”

United’s 4-0 humbling at Brentford saw the squad handed a punishing intensive running session on their Sunday off last weekend.

‘That is not the standard’

“I took the decision on Saturday, actually during the game, when I saw the performance,” said Ten Hag. “That is not the standard for Man United and actually it’s not my standard.

“We have to change that. I have to face the team, the players what the standard is and that we don’t accept this.

“(The players’ reaction) is not a problem. I hope they are angry but angry with themselves and angry with each other that they didn’t take each other in the responsibility.

“When I say it’s not acceptable, you cannot deliver for yourself, for the team, for Man United and for all the fans of Man United.”

Ten Hag is hoping to make additions to his squad in the final week or so of the transfer window. United have agreed a deal for Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro and are also chasing more attacking options.

But United have a big gap to mind and after last April’s 4-0 loss to Liverpool, interim boss Ralf Rangnick said United needed “open heart” surgery.

Ten Hag wants more leaders

Asked about those comments from the German, who was expected to stay on at Old Trafford, Ten Hag said: “I don’t have a comment or reaction to that.

“I comment on what I see now and my experience this season. Pre-season we did quite well but the first two league games were not good enough. Clear.”

“When the attitude is no good from the team then often the leaders are not there because they are the ones who give the example and go in front,” Ten Hag said. “Also that is a point we have to work on.”

Pushed on whether he had spoken to captain Harry Maguire about the need for greater authority and leadership, Ten Hag said: “I work always with a group of leaders, not one in particular and I spoke with the leaders about this issue.

“It doesn’t have to be always senior players. But we have a core group who have to be the example and take the responsibility.”

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