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Under-fire Erik ten Hag says Manchester United need to \u201cstand up\u201d and work \u201cshoulder by shoulder\u201d to turn around a season that is threatening to go into a tailspin.<\/p>\n
Old Trafford is under the spotlight after two 3-0 home humiliations in the space of four days ratcheted up the pressure on a club enduing their worst start to a campaign since 1962-63.<\/p>\n
Sunday\u2019s derby defeat at the hands of rivals Manchester City was compounded by Newcastle on Wednesday, who comfortably won the repeat of February\u2019s Carabao Cup final.<\/p>\n
It underlined just how far things have gone off track since the sides met at Wembley, with United now having lost eight of their 15 matches in all competitions this term.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not good enough and we know that,\u201d manager Ten Hag said after Miguel Almiron, Lewis Hall and Joe Willock struck for Eddie Howe\u2019s Magpies.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were in the game and then in a couple of minutes we are giving the game away.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s below our standards and we know that all and we have to take responsibility for this.\u201d<\/p>\n
United\u2019s performances have been as much a concern as the results, leading pressure to mount on Ten Hag just 17 months after starting in the post.<\/p>\n
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Bookmakers\u2019 odds on him leaving have been slashed, but the defiant Dutchman said he was a \u201cfighter\u201d as United prepare for three key games before November\u2019s international break.<\/p>\n
Premier League matches away to Fulham and home to Luton bookend next Wednesday\u2019s trip to Copenhagen as they attempt to keep their Champions League campaign alive.<\/p>\n
Asked how he lifts everyone ahead of the Saturday lunchtime kick-off at Craven Cottage, Ten Hag told MUTV: \u201cYeah, but that is our job. We sleep and (Thursday) we have to go again, so we have to stand up.<\/p>\n
\u201c(Sticking together) is the only way, the only way we do it, shoulder by shoulder, then we will come through this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ten Hag has repeatedly spoke about togetherness in recent weeks and has taken hope from the misfiring squad\u2019s ability to get narrow victories over the line.<\/p>\n
But players continue to underperform, both individually and collectively, and confidence appears to be an issue at United.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, that\u2019s normal,\u201d Ten Hag said. \u201cBut you only get your confidence when you take responsibility, when you fight, starting from winning your battles, winning and dictating the ground on the pitch.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you do that, then you get results and from there on you build your own confidence.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, confidence is something that is in your own hands (as an) individual but of course you have to do it as a team.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to stick together and you have to do it together.\u201d<\/p>\n
No players spoke to the media after United\u2019s latest embarrassment at the hands of Newcastle, with the team booed at both half-time and the final whistle.<\/p>\n
A number of supporters had made an exit before full-time, but on a night of understandable frustration there remained supportive chants from sections of the Old Trafford faithful.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe crowd were behind us, so I have to congratulate the fans,\u201d Ten Hag added. \u201cThey were all game behind us \u2013 we didn\u2019t deserve but they were.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe tried to fight but we make easy mistakes and they took the chances.\u201d<\/p>\n