‘We must look forward’ - Erik ten Hag’s motivational message to Man Utd players ahead of Newcastle clash

Erik ten Hag has said Manchester United must ‘look forward’ following their embarrassing collapse against Manchester City last week.

The Red Devils were beaten 3-0 at Old Trafford in the Manchester derby, but it was the nature of the insipid defeat that drew such strong criticism afterwards. United were completely overrun by City and struggled to get on the ball, especially in the second half, when the hosts managed just one shot in 45 minutes.

But ahead of the Carabao Cup clash against Newcastle United on Wednesday night, Ten Hag has said his team must not dwell on last weekend’s disappointment and claims he is ‘certain’ the side will improve.

“There is no point in feeling sorry for ourselves at this moment in time,” the Dutchman has written in Wednesday’s United Review, the club’s matchday programme. “Nobody at this club enjoys defeat, particularly in a Manchester derby like last Sunday, but everything we have achieved together so far has been built on looking forward, which means we have to move on quickly from what happens, whether it is positive or negative.

“We have never spent too long enjoying our victories, so we will not spend too much time thinking about our losses. We must always look forward, together.”

Sunday’s defeat was the nadir in what has been a woeful start to the 2023/24 campaign, and United have lost five of their 10 Premier League matches. Yet, the Red Devils went into the derby on the back of three consecutive wins in all competitions. Coupled with the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia and Kobbie Mainoo making significant steps forward in their recoveries from long-term injuries, Ten Hag feels there is actually plenty of reason for optimism at present.

“I continue to believe in these players and am confident we will improve after a difficult start to the season,” writes the 53-year-old. “On Sunday, in the first half particularly, we showed good defensive discipline and we created opportunities to counter-attack, but we were unable to capitalise on those chances at decisive times in the game.

“Important moments went against us and we were once again reminded that any mistake is punished at the highest level. Before the derby, we won three games in a row and demonstrated our character on each occasion, so we have developed in recent weeks. We are also gradually getting some players back from injury, which gives us more options and allows us to select players in their natural positions.

“At Manchester United, every game involves high stakes. Every single day, there is pressure on everybody involved with this club, but those demands and standards are a challenge which we must always meet head-on,” he added.

“While this has not been the start to the season that we had all hoped for, I am certain that we have the talent and attitude as a collective to move in the right direction. I believe that it is only a matter of time before we are showing our true selves. It will come, I am certain.”