Erik Ten Hag Says He Retains The Support Of Manchester United’s Players

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes he retains the support of his players inside the dressing room.

“I knew that and we’ve seen it again,” the Dutchman said after he had witnessed his side secure a much needed 1-0 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage with a goal from Bruno Fernandes four minutes from the end of the game.

Following successive 3-0 defeats against Manchester City and Newcastle in the previous week, there had been reports that some of Ten Hag’s players were losing faith in him, and did not support his methods.

“It’s a good dressing room and they fight for each other,” he said. “They know what the standards are. At Manchester United, they have to win every game. That is the attitude you need when you play for this club.”

However, United’s overall performance was still poor, but Ten Hag was keen to find some positives in it. “I was pleased with the way we pressed,” he said. “Fulham play very decent football from the back but we never allowed them to play from the back.

“In this week we were definitely not happy with our standards. Today we improved a little bit, but to win every game you have to bring that level, show you are hungry and passionate inside. When we bring that we will have very good results.”

Ten Hag was particularly pleased for Bruno Fernandes, who scored the winning goal, his third of the season so far, after a week in which it has been debated whether he should remain as captain. “So often already, from the moment I made him captain, he did this,” said a relieved Ten Hag.

“I don’t understand why,” said Ten Hag about the criticism Fernandes has been subjected to. “Everyone has their mistakes, no one is perfect.”

“Always he is giving energy and he is the example. You see the way he is pressing. He is absolutely the example and he is taking responsibility all the time, on and off the pitch. I am happy with my captain.”

But this was yet another game where United posed very little goal threat, and they have now scored only 12 goals in 10 Premier League games, and have a -4 goal difference.

“It’s clear we have to create more in the box but the composure on the ball was a step up.” Ten Hag said.

A United attacker has only scored once in the league this season, with Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasumus Hojlund yet to score between them. “It’s clear, we expect that from them, and we are confident they will do it,” Ten Hag said.

Marcus Rashford was absent from the win against Fulham with a minor injury. “He had some complaints after the training,” explained Ten Hag. “He travelled with us but it was a risk to start him and lose him for more weeks. We have many more important games to play.”

United are next in action this Wednesday when they travel to the Danish capital to face FC Copenhagen in a crucial Champions League tie.