Erik ten Hag is still searching for his maiden competitive win as Manchester United manager, having become the first boss in 101 years to lose each of his first two games in charge.
United were humiliated 4-0 by Brentford last Saturday and Ten Hag was more than a little unsatisfied with the attitude of the players, cancelling a planned day off on Sunday and making them run the same distance that the Bees had outrun them on the pitch.
The Dutchman is now facing an extraordinarily tough task as Liverpool visit Old Trafford on Monday. However, United did thrash their north west rivals during pre-season and Jurgen Klopp’s side are still looking for their own first win of the new Premier League campaign after successive draws so far.
Here’s the highlights of what Ten Hag said in his United press conference.
Is the Real Madrid midfielder Man Utd?
“I cannot tell anything.”
Despite the Dutchman’s muted response, 90min understands that the Brazilian has agreed personal terms over a move that could be worth up to £60m, with a medical due to take place over the next 24 hours.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has also confirmed that Casemiro wants to take on a fresh challenge, and a move for the 30-year-old now looks to be on course for completion over the weekend.
Is Ronaldo staying at Man Utd?
“I don’t know why he is in focus after Saturday. It was the team performance and the whole team’s attitude, including Ronaldo. He is in our plans, that’s what I can see.”
Will Martial return against Liverpool?
“Victor [Lindelof] has not returned to the training pitch but the good news is that Anthony Martial is back in training with the team.”
Listen now to 90min’s Manchester United podcast, The Promised Land, with Scott Saunders &Rob Blanchette. In the latest edition they discuss the latest on Casemiro, the Glazers’ potential sale of the club, Antony, Cody Gakpo and more!
What needs to change from last week’s hammering at Brentford?
“You can talk abut football philosophy but the basic stuff has to be good. Fighting attitude. I didn’t see that from minute one [against Brentford]. You have to bring it every game.
“You see a game, you have a plan, then you check how the game went and see what is wrong and what is good. Obviously a lot went wrong but you don’t have to talk about anything when the attitude is not right.
“Every game is different, but the philosophy and the plan [against Liverpool] will be the same. “I know the rivalry, we are the rivals and we have to win every game, but especially this game.”
Do the players need extra motivation?
“It’s not difficult to motivate this team. They worked really good on the training pitch from the start of the season.”
Thoughts on planned protests against the owners?
“I can only say the owners want to win. We want the fans behind the team. I am not that long at the club I can see all the background. We have to fight together.”
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