Erik ten Hag, coach of Manchester United, backed his team to overcome their early-season troubles ahead of today’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
Following a tight home win over Wolves in the Premier League, United have won just one of their following four league games, surrendering ten goals and falling to 13th place.
Ten Hag was booed for the first time as Manchester United manager after his team lost to Brighton at home on Saturday, but he believed the defeat would fortify his team for future trials.
“That’s football; I’ve had this experience before.” Things don’t always go up — and you have to accept that.
“I like these situations because we now have to handle it, manage it, and you have to know what to do, which is focusing on the process.”
United are missing numerous players due to injury, and ten Hag confirmed that under-fire defender Harry Maguire was injured and did not travel.
“He had some complaints, (he) finished training but was not in good enough shape to travel.”
Ten Hag acknowledged the club’s injury problems, but stated the squad had made sensible recruitment decisions.
Ten Hag simply responded “no” when asked if he regretted not signing Harry Kane, who moved to Bayern after rumours linked him with United.
Ten Hag returned Manchester United to the Champions League by finishing third in 2022-23, but the Red Devils face an in-form Bayern Munich.
Ten Hag, who coached Bayern’s second team before moving on to Ajax and, later, Manchester United, lauded his opponents’ “individual class,” saying “you cannot be unfocused for one second.”
“At home, they are very strong in the group stage, but we are looking forward because we like a challenge and also because we trust ourselves.”
Bayern is unbeaten in their last 19 Champions League home games.
Andre Onana, the goalkeeper for Manchester United, stated there was no ill blood between himself and his defenders, with whom he has often argued in games.
“I’m a very passionate player, and I expect a lot from my players and defenders,” Onana stated, emphasizing that “we are big guys, and what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch.”
Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that his team would not take United lightly, even if they are out of form.
“You can never be secure against Manchester United; any moment you think you have control is the most dangerous.”
“They accept being without the ball and accepting to suffer — they have a great transition game.”
