Manchester United has played three games since the Premier League campaign started and struggled to find their way. The team and the players not only had to go through ramifications on the pitch, but they also had to deal with them off the pitch as well. The Red Devils’ new manager, Erik ten Hag, had to go through some tough press conferences in the past three games and had to answer some tough questions.
It is important to note that Manchester United’s gaffer, Erik ten Hag, has been quite vocal about issues pertaining to the team, but also has always had optimism with issues and answered the questions as they came.
Manchester United vs Brighton
Manchester United started off their campaign against Brighton on 7th August, in the first match of their campaign. The away team, Brighton, was able to pull past the Red Devils at Old Trafford stadium with help of Pascal Grob daunting United’s defense and tallying up 2 goals against them. Whereas, Manchester United, could only get a consolatory goal because of a corner.
The post-match press conference with the new manager had numerous reporters asking a number of questions and Erik Ten Hag was up to the questions as he replied that the team started off well but as the game escalated the team lost its confidence and belief, leading to the loss.
He added that there will always be setbacks, in light of the game, but players have to cope with that and do better. Erik Ten Hag answered with conviction and told the press that the team is full of great players and believes in the lot. The gaffer also stated that he saw a lot of good things happening despite taking the loss.
The Manchester United manager, in the post-match interview, went on to say that the job is a hell of a job.
Manchester United vs Brentford
Matchday 2 of the Premier League came with a lot of disappointment for the Red Devils as the team failed to stop Brentford’s scoring spell, leading them to lose to the home team 0-4. The fans had criticised the team, especially McTominay and Fred, for showcasing a pitiful performance. The team was criticised for the lack of quality displayed by the players and the team.
Brentford eased past the Red Devils with Josh Dasilva finding the net in the 10nth minute and Mathias Jensen, Ben Mee, and Bryan Mbeumo scoring subsequently within the first 40 minutes.
In the post-match press conference, Ten Hag started off by picking up where he left off last press conference and stated that he still feels like being Manchester United’s manager is a hell of a job. He further added that despite the tactical and individual mistakes, he is going to stick with his players as they trace and navigate the solutions for the same. The gaffer also added that he would have substituted all the players if he could as he wanted to bring some fresh energy to the game.
Erik Ten Hag added that the team needs a change in attitude going ahead, as the opponents can’t be more hungrier for the win than the team.
Manchester United vs Liverpool
The Premier League’s 3rd matchday’s last instalment was a clash of giants as Manchester United played Liverpool at the Red Devils’ home, Old Trafford. The game turned out to be a redemption for the Red Devils as United was able to seize the win over Liverpool with a 2-1 lead.
The Red Devils looked sharper and more confident as the playing 11 was a little different than before. Manchester United had better momentum in the game and kept knocking on the doors of the Reds which ultimately resulted in them scoring the first goal in the first half and another in the second half subsequently. Mo Salah was able to get a late consolation goal for the reds.
Erik Ten Hag, in the press conference, told the press that he was satisfied with the team’s performance as they showed conviction and commitment to the game. He further reiterated the need for the right attitude is a must and is the base point of every game.
Eric Ten Hag has been taking the questions as they come and hasn’t shown frustration, but rather disappointment towards the result. However, he has always echoed throughout his last three games that the team’s first need of the hour is the right attitude, which the team showed against Liverpool.
Manchester United will be playing Southampton in week 4 of the Premier League fixture. United also announced the transfer of Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro, who is expected to join the team against Southampton.