Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United have proven they ‘can win big games’ this season as his side look to secure Champions League qualification.
United face Brentford in the Premier League on Wednesday evening, with the Red Devils having dropped out of the top four following Sunday’s defeat at Newcastle.
Ten Hag’s team are without a win in three Premier League games, but the Dutchman insists that fluctuation in performance is normal across the course of a campaign.
He remains confident that United can find consistency across the run-in and believes his side are capable of producing performances ‘week in, week out’.
“Yeah, because we have shown in so many games we did it,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“So I have a very strong belief, a very strong confidence, a very strong passion. The togetherness we had, we have shown it in many games and in big games.
“We have shown we can win big games. But you have to do it every time because that is the demand on the top players. That is the expectation at Manchester United, [the expectation] that the Manchester United fans have from our team, from our players. So, they have to do it.”
United’s recent run has seen the club drop out of the Champions League places, with Newcastle and Spurs having climbed above the Red Devils.
Ten Hag’s team were eight points clear of Newcastle just six weeks ago and the United boss admits it is important that his squad are reminded of what is at stake this season.
“Of course. And you have to match certain standards. In the seasons, it doesn’t go only one way up, you will have fluctuations. But, you have to know why you are where you are and what brings that position. That was about determination, that was about passion, that was about desire. So, I have missed it. When you are a strong opponent who plays above the levels, and many teams play against Manchester United above their levels, then you get killed. We had that experience on Sunday.”
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