Erik ten Hag is ‘sure’ that he has the backing of the Manchester United squad as his team look to turn their season around.
Manchester United suffered a sixth defeat of the Premier League campaign at Newcastle last weekend, a result which leaves the Red Devils seventh in the table, five points adrift of the Champions League places.
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Reports this week have suggested there was discontent within the squad at Ten Hag’s tactics, but the Dutchman has insisted that he retains the full backing of his players.
“Oh yes, I am sure. You can see for instance the comeback against Brentford, the Burnley game, the Fulham game – every time the team is there,” Ten Hag said at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Chelsea.
“We’ve showed great character, great determination and resilience, so we are together. You can see you can’t play such great football, as we did recently, without unity.”
Ten Hag said he will ‘always listen’ to concerns from his squad, but believes his team are ‘improving’ despite their inconsistent results.
“I always listen to my players and I always give them opportunities to tell me things.
“If the players have different opinions, of course I will listen. Maybe there’s one or two but it is about in general, and the majority want to play this proactive, dynamic and brave style. That is what they want.
“You can see the players are behind it because of their performances against Everton and Galatasaray. We are really improving. We can’t make the goal we did against Everton if the players don’t embrace it.”
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