Erik ten Hag believes Old Trafford can become a fortress, as the Reds recorded an impressive seventh successive home victory in all competitions, against Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
Seeing off the Cherries 3-0 in our opening action of 2023, as goals from Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford ensured victory, United consolidated fourth position in the process.
Having not lost at home since our 1-0 defeat against Real Sociedad back in September, Ten Hag's men are undefeated in our last nine outings at the Theatre of Dreams.
The boss was quick to praise his players' current form, insisting that on home soil, Old Trafford can be vitally important to our hopes of success this season.
“I think it is, if you stay strong,“ responded Erik, when asked how important our unwavering home support can be.
“We only stay strong if we do our jobs and we give 100 per cent in every situation, I had the feeling in the second half, the game, for some, was easy going.
“The game is never easy going and you saw the reaction of the opponent as they still believed in it.
“They could have made it 2-1 and then they are back in the game.”
Still not fully satisfied with his team's level of performance overall, the former Ajax boss has made quite the impression during his tenure at United.
With two cup ties to come in the next seven days, the Reds are determined to continue our recent hot streak against Everton and Charlton Athletic.
Wishing for further improvements across the board, Ten Hag reiterated the need for his players to continue to up their levels.
“That is the next step we have to make,”
explained Ten Hag. “We are still in the process and we controlled the game in the first half but we didn't play brilliant.
“Not entertaining, but we made a good goal from a set-play and then, straight after half-time, a really good counter, it was a good goal.
“We have to play clever and keep compact, let them run and the spaces will come because, as they take risks, you will have counter chances.”
OUR HOME RECORD THIS SEASON
United 1 Brighton 2
United 2 Liverpool 1
United 3 Arsenal 1
United 0 Real Sociedad 1 (Europa League)
United 1 Omonia Nicosia 0 (Europa League)
United 0 Newcastle 0
United 2 Tottenham 0
United 3 Sheriff Tiraspol 0 (Europa League)
United 1 West Ham 0
United 4 Aston Villa 2 (Carabao Cup)
United 2 Burnley 0 (Carabao Cup)
United 3 Nottingham Forest 0
United 3 Bournemouth 0