Erik ten Hag started his career as Manchester United manager in the worst possible way in the two competitions the team has played in so far this season.
The Premier League was a disaster, as United lost their opening two games to Brighton and Brentford, while in the Europa League the Reds suffered a narrow loss in their opening game against Real Sociedad.
Since then, the players have shown courage and determination and the Dutch boss has managed to stabilize the ship.
The famous united spirit on display
United are currently on a six-game unbeaten run and sit sixth in the league table, just three points behind third-place Tottenham Hotspur with one game remaining.
Strong mentality, deep passion, fighting for each other, togetherness, team spirit, discipline and starting to play good football: Erik ten Hag is slowly changing Manchester United.
Trust the process ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cXNNxtsmQn
— UtdFaithfuls (@UtdFaithfuls) October 23, 2022
In the Europa League, the 20-time English champions have won their remaining three matches and are currently second, just one point from qualifying for the next round.
And this current run has been defined by the Red Devils’ rediscovery of their famous never-give-up attitude with United, salvaging points from the jaws of defeat in four of the last six games.
In Europe, United have snatched two late wins, both against Omonia Nicosia, while in the Premier League, Chelsea and Everton have had to face music.
And Ten Hag feels that this is the kind of spirit that can propel the team to win trophies in the future.
“I think we are moving forward and it is a quality that a team that wants to win titles needs. So we’re developing that. I think we are on the right track, so we will keep that process going, but we have to get even more out of it,” Ten Hag told the club’s press team.
A big part of this rediscovery comes from United’s superior fitness levels. The coach has rotated sparingly, but the players have always seemed willing to do so when thrown into the deep end.
ETH waiting for it to continue
Anthony Martial, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay have come on as substitutes to change the game.
And the former Ajax manager also noted that his team is finally starting to believe in itself and that has led United to press until the final whistle.
“It’s one of the good things, so [let’s] maintain that culture. As a good base, you also need a good physique. [fitness] do that in the last stage of the game and the last point is to believe. Believing that it’s not over until the referee’s final whistle and thus moving forward, continuing to believe in winning and getting the best result.
“That fighting spirit, keep going. We have to believe on the pitch that we’re going for a better result. I think it’s okay. I think it shows that we can come from behind and we can decide games in the last few minutes, which shows that the fitness levels are good. But that is an investment and you have to maintain it.”
This spirit can go a long way in determining how United finish their season in all competitions with players proving they can pick up quite a few points and wins while losing positions along the way.
United Matchday Magazine: Everything fans need in one place Take a seat for the Sheriff match and join the debate on United’s hottest topics!
Get all the match preparation, articles, news, riddles, nostalgia and humor. Online soccer content like you’ve never seen it before. No ads, no clickbait, no fake news – just 100% pure United. secure online ordering Click Preview to see more or shop for just £1.25 / $1.50 Limited Time Offer: SAVE £10 On A Season Pass – Use Discount Code SEASON35 At Checkout.
