Erik ten Hag Manchester United: Unleash Motivation Amid Season Struggles

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has urged his players to use their “madness” as motivation to turn their season around. After a disheartening 3-0 defeat against Tottenham, the Dutch coach is preparing for crucial matches against Porto in the Europa League and Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Despite United’s rocky start—three losses in their first six league games, leaving them in 13th place—Ten Hag remains confident that there is “nothing to panic about.” He believes the team has what it takes to achieve success this season. Speaking at a press conference delayed by weather issues in Portugal, Ten Hag emphasized the importance of channeling their frustration into motivation for future games.

“We’re mad about Sunday’s loss, mad at ourselves, and we need to use that madness to drive us forward,” Ten Hag stated. “It’s about using the disappointment to fuel our motivation.”

United have won only three of their nine matches across all competitions this season, managing victories against Fulham and Southampton in the league and League One side Barnsley in the EFL Cup. They are winless in three consecutive games ahead of their match against Porto, including a frustrating draw against Twente at Old Trafford in their opening Europa League fixture.

Ten Hag stressed that leadership must come from both the manager and the players: “Everyone has to take responsibility, and that starts with me as the manager. But our players must show leadership on the pitch as well. Each game is crucial, and we must be ready to compete and fight.”

After guiding Manchester United to a third-place finish in the Premier League in his first season (2022-23), Ten Hag also led the team to lift the EFL Cup and finish as FA Cup runners-up. The previous season saw United finish eighth, their lowest-ever finish in the Premier League era, but they ended the campaign on a high by beating Manchester City to win the FA Cup. As a result, Ten Hag was awarded a new contract that extends until 2026.

Ten Hag explained that he is in constant communication with United’s new football hierarchy. He said that while daily discussions take place, his confidence does not rely on others’ reassurances. “We are a union, and we made that commitment in the summer. We refreshed both the staff and the squad, and we constantly discuss how to improve the club, the team, and our processes.”

Manchester United are set to face Porto in the Europa League on Thursday and then Aston Villa on Sunday before the October international break. Ten Hag is determined to see an improvement in performances as United aim to get their season back on track.

“We replaced six or seven experienced players with younger talents like Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro,” Ten Hag continued. “These players need time to adjust to the standards of the Premier League and a club like Manchester United. But I’ve seen our team play with great confidence before, like against Manchester City in the FA Cup and Community Shield, and I know we can do it again.”

The summer also saw a reshuffle in the coaching staff. Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake joined the coaching team, replacing Steve McClaren, Benni McCarthy, and Mitchell van der Gaag. McCarthy, who left to pursue his managerial career, recently commented on Ten Hag’s style. He noted, “Tactically, Erik is at the top, but I think he lacks some of the fire and passion players expect from a coach. That’s where we differ.”

Ten Hag’s challenge now is to find the right balance, reignite his squad, and push Manchester United forward in a season that has already presented significant challenges. His message remains clear: use the setbacks as motivation and find the fire to turn things around.