Erik ten Hag wants Man Utd to repeat Liverpool response as top-four race takes another twist

Erik ten Hag has called on Manchester United’s players to bounce back from their 1-0 loss to West Ham United on Sunday, something they’ve done several times already this season.

The defeat at the London Stadium wasn’t the first time the Red Devils have let their standards drop this term, but the team’s penchant for responding to setbacks has ensured it’s been a largely positive campaign. August’s 4-0 loss against Brentford was followed up by a win over Liverpool, while four days after the 7-0 battering at Anfield, United beat Real Betis 4-1.

The Red Devils have also responded to bruising defeats at Manchester City, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Newcastle United with wins in the next game. Ten Hag is hoping his side can repeat the trick next week at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers, with successive losses to Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham seeing the gap to fifth-place Liverpool reduced to just a single point.

“That’s what I just said in the dressing room ‘c’mon, it can happen’. In this season we have had some terrible setbacks and every time we bounce back,” Ten Hag said on BT Sport. “Once again, show the character and go on.

“First half I think we played quite well and created a lot of opportunities,” the ex-Ajax manager added. “Maybe on the first occasion they score a goal. Of course we’re disappointed about the result, the same as Thursday.

“We lost for ourselves and now we have one week [until the next game] - the first time since Christmas that we have that. We need energy because both second halves [against Brighton and West Ham] were below the standards.

Sunday’s defeat in the capital was United’s 57th game of the season, more than any other side the top flight, and United have looked a little jaded over recent weeks.

Asked if fitness levels were impacting the team’s performances, Ten Hag replied: “It can be, but we can’t be sorry for ourselves. We have to keep going and we have to show character. It is only four games [left in the Premier League]. Then you need the energy and it’s in your hands. Get ready for the games, clear the head, energy and focus and go on.”