Ten Hag: We have to build
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag spoke with the media following our defeat to Liverpool about the need to bed in the new signings who joined the club during the summer.
Two Luis Diaz goals and a third from Mohamed Salah were enough to seal our fate on Sunday afternoon, on a day to forget for Ten Hag and his side.
Addressing the gathered journalists inside Old Trafford following the final whistle, the Dutchman was clear that it was not the day to discuss positives, but he did note that there are a number of players who are still building into the season.
On a tough day at the office, the manager was clear where his focus will lie in the coming days and weeks to get United back on track.
Summer signings Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt both earned their first starts for the club, while Academy product Alejandro Garnacho was in from the beginning for the first time this season.
"Again, we have to build a new team," Ten Hag said. "I explained this so many times, also on the Friday in the press conference.
"We will build this new team. We have young players. Also, now, we have players to build in, in the seeason. Today I think we had two players, three players, first start of the season, and they didn't play 90 minutes."
But the manager is still assured that there is still plenty to look forward to this season, stating: "We will be fine, but it's clear we have to improve. But in the end of the season, I'm quite confident, again, we will have a big chance to lift another trophy."
There will be another newcomer to integrate into side over the coming weeks, with midfielder Manuel Ugarte arriving in Manchester on deadline day from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Uruguayan was unavailable for the Liverpool due to his late registration, but was paraded on the Old Trafford pitch prior to kick-off.
Speaking about the new man, Ten Hag said: "So this is another one, we have to build him in the team, and it will take time. So, it's not like I'm Harry Potter, that is what you have to acknowledge. And if you see Manuel Ugarte, he didn't play so far in the season, not one match minute.
"So yeah, he needs to build his fitness yet. And then we have to build him in the team, and then I'm sure he will contribute to our level, and he will be an important player."
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Some of the team will now head to their respective national sides for the international break.
United are back in domestic action on 14 September when we travel to St Mary's Stadium to face Southampton, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 BST.