We are together, says Man United boss Erik ten Hag amid reports of player unrest
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Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has come under heavy criticism for his apparent lack of interest in his performances on the pitch.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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LONDON – Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes his team are still on the same page and in a “good direction”, as he prepares for their English Premier League clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford on Dec 6.
The Red Devils were in trouble again over the weekend when a lacklustre side fell 1-0 at Newcastle United,
Before facing the Magpies, United had won five of their previous six league games and kept three consecutive clean sheets.
It seemed like they were finally heading in the right direction before their wake-up call on Tyneside.
The under-fire ten Hag will know that there is still much room for improvement, but he also dismissed rumours that there are unhappy players in the dressing room due to his strict management style.
“We had a week of two good performances and one bad performance, so from there we carry on. The team are in a good direction,” he insisted.
“We’re not happy with that (Newcastle) performance, but with a little bit more determination, we could have taken something. Of course, we dropped but are not too far away, so we are okay. Every time the team are there, showed great character, great determination, resilience, so we are together.”
United are in seventh place in the Premier League standings ahead of the match, five points below Aston Villa (29) in fourth and have scored only 16 league goals this season.
It is the worst attacking output of all teams in the top half and it is not helped by Marcus Rashford’s poor body language. He seemingly displayed a lack of interest to help out his defenders during the Newcastle game.
Ten Hag had said he will speak to the forward in private about his recent form.
It remains to be seen if there will be any change, although fans have already called on him to drop Rashford from the line-up altogether.
Old Trafford is also not a fortress any more, as United have won only two of their last five home games in the league.
On the reported criticism aimed at him, ten Hag added: “I listen always to my players and I give them always opportunities to tell.
“If the players have a different opinion, of course I will listen.
“There is no disorder in the dressing room.
“Of course, there are a lot of rumours, but we are on a journey. We know we are in transition, but we are in the right direction.”
Mason Mount could be fit to feature, while Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo and Jonny Evans remain injured.
Chelsea are in 10th and five points behind United, but the Blues are slight favourites based on momentum alone.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men have scored 12 goals in their last four league matches, although they have also conceded 11 during that run.
Before the win over Brighton and a 4-1 loss to Newcastle, the visitors had clinched three straight victories in Premier League away games – including a 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Chelsea should not be fazed by playing away, but they lost 4-1 at Old Trafford in May.
“I think we are all on a similar level with different situations. I don’t say it is a good moment to go there,” Pochettino said of facing an inconsistent United side.
“We are facing a team that are going to be tough because they want to win, and we want to keep our momentum and build from Brighton and be high in the table.
“I am focused on my club. We are building something we believe is going to be amazing. We are 200 per cent focused and developing the project. It is about a period of time.”
He will have to cope without the suspended Conor Gallagher, who was sent off for collecting two yellow cards against Brighton, while Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia are not fully fit.
Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Trevoh Chalobah and Ben Chilwell remain in the treatment room.
