The United players are instructed by Ten Hag to “act like robots.”
Erik ten Hag claims that players who lack hunger have no place at Manchester United as he works to make his team into a winning unit.
Despite a few humiliating blips along the road, there has been a discernible improvement since the Dutchman joined from Ajax last summer.
It was discouraging to lose to top-four opponents Newcastle 2-0 on Sunday after suffering 6-3 losses to Manchester City in October and a record-breaking 7-0 humbling at Liverpool last month.
Just as he did following the 4-0 loss to Wednesday’s opponents Brentford in his second game as manager, Ten Hag lamented his players’ lack of desire at St. James’ Park.
Given that the problem is still present eight months later, was he worried that some players would never understand the importance of hunger and passion? He responded as follows: “If they are unable to understand this (the message), they are in the wrong position.
“I agree that because we didn’t make it to Newcastle, we went back to our normal routines, but I also realize that there are always going to be changes since people are not machines.
“Yet, we must behave like machines and robots.
When we don’t uphold the standards as we should, we are disappointed since it is our responsibility for our athletes. We can and must demand that they do so.
When questioned about the possibility of this group becoming robotic after weeks of consistent performance, he responded: “Yes, because we’ve demonstrated that we did it in a lot of games.
“Very strong conviction, very strong self-assurance, very strong passion, and the sense of community we shared. In numerous and significant games, we have demonstrated it.
“We have demonstrated our ability to win games, but the best player must do so consistently in order to maintain their position.
“Manchester United and the supporters expect that from our squad and from our players, so they have to deliver on that,” the coach said.
The players realize defeats like Sunday’s are “not the benchmark for a Manchester United squad,” according to Ten Hag, who also shot down Rio Ferdinand’s claim that they have “downed tools” since winning the Carabao Cup.
The Dutchman still has faith in his team as they compete for more hardware and Champions League qualification, refusing to be overcome by “the emotion after one setback.”
Ten Hag remarked, “I have faith in my players, and they have earned it because of the performances they have given. “While we started the season poorly, we are now in a good spot.
“This is much below the standards and the performance we can anticipate when you go to Newcastle and provide this.”
Wout Weghorst, the band’s frontman, was one of those singled out for criticism on Sunday.
Former United captain Gary Neville stated the on-loan Burnley striker “isn’t good enough” because he has only scored twice in 19 games since joining in January.
After Gary Neville discussed Wout’s performance, he added, “I also observed another comment from Gary Neville when he commented that with Wout we are quite successful.”
“That is all I can say about that since I believe that to be the proof. He is working hard for this team, so I am satisfied with him.”
As Martial returned from a two-month layoff at Newcastle, Weghorst may not have to play as frequently anymore. The striker will be hoping that this will help the season, which has been marred by injuries.
Ten Hag said, “In the first place, he’s angry with himself. “He spends the most time working out. He would much rather be on the field than there.
“Of course, this is upsetting for both our team and the manager because when your best players are available, you have a better chance of winning games.
“I only need to mention the homes of Liverpool and Man City when he was available to realize his impact.
But, Casemiro and (Christian) Eriksen, who are both crucial players, are the same in that when they are unavailable, we still have to prevail.
