Ten Hag: There is still a long way to go
Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United must understand there are still many challenges to overcome during his tenure, as we prepare to take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at Old Trafford (20:00 GMT).
The boss has admitted despite our strong form domestically - in which United have lost just twice since the start of October - the Reds shouldn't look too far ahead.
Occupying fifth position in the Premier League at present, Ten Hag has admitted he feels our current location in the standings bears an equal reflection on our season thus far.
''We have only played 14 games so far in the league season, so there is a long way to go yet,'' the boss told in his exclusive column in our matchday programme, United Review.
''But based on where we were at the start, where we are now, and what we have done inbetween, I feel like fifth is the right position for us at this stage of the season.
''However, we have higher ambitions for where we want to get to, and that means continuing to improve.''
''If we show high standards of quality and discipline, live them every day as a group and hold each other accountable to those levels, then we will keep getting better.
''It is a very simple formula, but it is one that will help us achieve our ambitions,'' he added. ''It is equally clear that we just have to focus on one game at a time, even with so many matches to play over the coming months.
''There is no other option; if we look too far ahead then we can lose focus, lose rhythm and that can cost momentum, which we want to keep building.''
With the Reds soon to welcome back our final pair of internationals, following the completion of events over in the Middle East, Ten Hag was quick to congratulate Lisandro Martinez, whilst also sharing his commiserations the way of Raphael Varane too.
''Finally, print deadlines mean that this is my first opportunity in these pages to congratulate Lisandro Martinez for his part in Argentina’s victorious World Cup campaign," Ten Hag said.
''Winning the World Cup is a fantastic achievement for any player, and we are all proud of Licha for adding his name to the list of those who have done it as Manchester United players."
''While Rapha Varane was disappointed to be on the losing side in the final, he too can be proud of an outstanding tournament for him and France.''