Ten Hag speaks of growing confidence at United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says our squad is “heading in the right direction” and “building confidence” ahead of the all-important festive campaign.
The final international break of 2023 is complete and Premier League football will return this weekend, with the Reds travelling to Everton on Sunday.
United are top of the Premier League form table with four wins from five matches and there is a determination within the group to build on that sequence.
The squad has been plagued by injuries so far this season, but the long list of absentees is hopefully beginning to lessen and fans were delighted to see Luke Shaw back in training at Carrington earlier today.
Lisandro Martinez watched his team-mates train at Carrington on Wednesday, as he continues with the early stages of his recovery from a foot injury.
“We are, say, one third [through the season],” he explains. “It was a tough start, as we've seen, but I think we are catching up. And from the last five games we’ve won four. So we are in a good mood and I think we are [heading] in the right direction.
“And now we hope we can more or less stay with the same line-up or with 12 to 14 players, while constructing the line-up, because I think so far that was our difficulty. Every time we had to change and we don't develop routines. Every time we had to change.”
As for the form table, Ten Hag is not getting carried away, but he admits it is a positive sign that the team is heading in a progressive direction.
“Well, I'm sure there's more to come, but still it's a good, good sign,” he says to beIN. “It's a good sign that we are progressing.
“But, also, you see that our competitors are also dropping points and there are no easy games in the Premier League and everyone will drop points at a certain point. So, make sure you get consistency in and don't look too much at all the noise in the background, as they will also drop points.”
Watch the full interview with beIN SPORTS from 12:00 GMT on Thursday.