Ten Hag: We will have setbacks in our process

United had won four Premier League games on the spin prior to the weekend’s 6-3 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. 

Our domestic form was a welcome response from the defeats to Brighton and Brentford that had made for a difficult start to Ten Hag’s reign. 

The heavy nature of our defeat in the derby will have no doubt knocked the confidence built up in that period, however. 

Speaking in his post-match press conference on Sunday afternoon, Ten Hag says that the setback is “normal” in the process for United, who are still in the early stage of the project under the Dutchman.

“The last five games, we brought that attitude [belief] on the pitch. We had a strong belief and convincing, and you bring the opponents problems,” he began.

“Today, it was the other way around, but I think it’s normal in our process. The pattern has to go up, and I see, clearly, it goes up, but you will have setbacks during the process, and we have to learn from it. 

“[We need to] point it clearly out and walk away from it. We will move on and carry on to the next game.”

Erik cited a lack of belief among his side as our biggest problem on Sunday but does not doubt that his side have the capability to possess it more regularly going forward. 

United have already shown spirited performances in – and won - big games this season against Liverpool and Arsenal, and the manager is certain that his team can learn from this experience and do the same again going forward.

“They showed against, for instance, Liverpool and Arsenal, when they perform as a team and bring the belief on the pitch, starting as individuals, we will show them [our quality]. 

“You cannot deny that.”