Published: 09:02, September 13, 2024
Transition period at Man United not an excuse, says Ten Hag
By Reuters
Manchester United's head coach Erik ten Hag follows the game during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford, on Sept 1, 2024, in Manchester, England. (PHOTO / AP)

Manchester United are in a transition period, as well as dealing with injuries, but this cannot be used as an excuse, manager Erik ten Hag said on Thursday.

Ten Hag's side, who are still without the injured Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw, have lost their two most recent Premier League games, including a 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool, but the manager is ignoring the criticism.

"It doesn't impact me, I know in the process where we are and what we have to do, where we are going," Ten Hag told a press conference ahead of Saturday's game at Southampton.

"We are still in a transition period, we have to integrate a lot of young players, we are still dealing with injuries.

"Before anyone thinks about excuses, no, we have to win every game. I know that, the team knows this and it doesn't matter who is available and we will focus on every game and have in every game, the mindset we have to win."

Liverpool's Argentinian midfielder #10 Alexis Mac Allister fights for the ball with Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder #08 Bruno Fernandes during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on Sept 1, 2024. (PHOTO / AFP)

Despite the poor results, the manager says that the team is going in the right direction.

"Of course, when you see the scores no-one is happy and also the players have a very good sense of the quality of the process," Ten Hag said.

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"Also, when you analyse the games, all the games so far, we are in a good direction. When you are in a transition period and have to build the team we have to improve and step up.

"We will see where we are in May next year, it's very early in the season."

Manchester United's Amad Diallon (right) scores during the English Premier League soccer match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at the American Express Stadium, Brighton, England, on Aug 24, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

Ten Hag was asked about recent comments made by former United player Cristiano Ronaldo that a Manchester United manager cannot say they are not going to fight to win the league title or the Champions League.

The Dutchman preferred to focus on Ronaldo's other comments where he said the club needs time to rebuild.

"He said that Manchester United can't win the Premier League. He said this, if you read the article very well," Ten Hag said.

"He is far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester. Everyone can have an opinion."

Manchester United's Danish forward #09 Rasmus Hojlund (left) reacts after scoring a goal during the pre-season club friendly football match between Manchester United FC and Arsenal FC at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on July 27, 2024. (PHOTO / AFP)

The manager said that neither forward Hojlund or defender Shaw were available for the trip to Southampton. Both players have yet to make an appearance this season through injury, but are progressing well.

Midfielder Manuel Ugarte, however, could make his debut after signing from Paris St Germain on deadline day, despite only returning from international duty with Uruguay on Thursday.

READ MORE: Ten Hag: ManU not ready for season opener, but will have newcomers available

United are 14th in the standings on three points while Southampton are second from bottom and yet to win a point this season.