Erik ten Hag, speaking on Friday, emphasised that Manchester United are united in its effort to reverse their fortunes following a disastrous start to the season.
The Red Devils have encountered significant setbacks, losing four of their first six matches across all competitions, presenting a formidable challenge for the Dutch manager just a month into the new campaign.
Currently, Manchester United occupy the 13th position in the Premier League standings, with a concerning record of 18 losses in their last 35 away matches across all competitions.
Ten Hag, reflecting on his second year at the helm, acknowledged the inherent fluctuations in performance, saying, "I know it's not always a straightforward ascent—there will be setbacks, but you become stronger from them as long as you remain united, and that's precisely what we're doing."
Addressing recent reports of discord within the dressing room and questions about player attitudes, Ten Hag remained positive, stating, "I'm aware of the opinions and suggestions. We have a close-knit group, and everyone is entitled to offer their perspective. We welcome that."
Manchester United's current poor form has intensified the pressure ahead of their match against Burnley, and they will once again be without Jadon Sancho, who remains excluded from the squad due to a disagreement with the manager. Ten Hag remarked, "His future here depends on him. Our focus right now is on preparing for Burnley, and he will not be part of the squad."
Injuries have plagued the team, with players like Raphael Varane, Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat, and Harry Maguire facing uncertainties about their availability for the upcoming match against Burnley.
One of the central issues plaguing Manchester United has been their defensive vulnerability, conceding 14 goals in their last five games. While goalkeeper Andre Onana took responsibility for an error in their recent Champions League defeat to Bayern, Ten Hag stressed that the problems are collective. He stated, "It's a team effort, and when the team isn't achieving the desired results, individual performances suffer as well, including my own as the manager. I always remind my players that we attack and defend as a team. When one or two players aren't performing their roles, it affects the entire team, not just one or two individuals."
