Erik ten Hag faced the media on Friday ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League encounter against Brentford this weekend.
The Red Devils head into the match on the back of a desperate run of form, having lost three of the last four at home. The most recent defeat was the home loss to Galatasaray on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
The 3-2 loss was compounded by issues inside the ground, with hundreds of away fans managing to obtain tickets in the home end and then tearing down a banner situated in the East Stand.
That Sir Matt Busby quote will be back on display again this Saturday, for a game in which United drastically need to take three points. United have lost six out of 10 this season, including five of the last seven. The Red Devils have also lost three of the last four at home.
That run has led to Ten Hag facing questions about his position on Tuesday night after the game, with pressure continuing to mount on the Dutchman.
Ahead of the Brentford encounter, Ten Hag was asked about the club’s disastrous run, which stretches back to the end of last season. The ex-Ajax boss was also quizzed about how to get the best out of Marcus Rashford, and how he can return to the sort of form showcased last season.
As with most press conferences, there was an update on the latest team news, with questions about the availability of Sergio Reguilon and Antony. Here are the best bits from Friday’s pre-match press conference...
1. What’s been missing in recent matches?
“Consistency, that is the problem we are struggling with. In big parts of the game we do a lot of things right but then there are moments where we are struggling and in such moments we can’t survive. In those moments you need to do the right things like be consistent in doing the job and be consistent with the communication.”
2. Could Reguilon be back?
“Not for tomorrow.”
3. Will Antony start?
“I think he is ready to start.”
4. Rashford will bounce back...
“It is normal that you are not always in the same level and everyone knows the qualities of him and the opposition know. If Rashy is doing the thing right and the team is doing the thing right, we will put him in the right positions. It’s up to him and we have seen in the last weeks that he is coming in the good positions. Now he is struggling but that will pass because everyone knows the qualities. Everyone at Man United backs him. The whole team is supportive of him and believes in him. I’m sure with that confidence and belief that the team is behind him, this will pass.”