28 October 2023 , 23:00
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Erik ten Hag says there is "no truth" to Jamie Carragher's suggestions that his Manchester United team are a counter-attacking outfit who are "faltering".
The Red Devils have struggled so far this term, losing four times already in the Premier League. Their style has come under fire with Ten Hag still unable to implement the type of football that saw his Ajax team lauded as he begins his second season at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag is preparing for a Manchester derby, which United go into as major underdogs despite having home advantage. Carragher believes their only hope of getting a positive result will be to sit deep, allowing their opponents to come onto them.
He wrote in the Telegraph: "United are in an unfulfilling holding pattern, seeking to eke out results and get by before their next refresh. It is a measure of their faltering progress that they are preparing for another Manchester derby with trepidation rather than expectation.
"Yet again, the only means by which they can stop Manchester City this weekend is by playing ‘underdog football’ – sitting deep, counter-attacking and hoping defensive resilience yields a reward."
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United won this fixture last term, coming back from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory. In the first derby of the season though they were hammered 6-3 with some late goals making an embarrassing scoreline slightly less so.
Ten Hag has maintained there are figures to show that his players do in fact like to play on the front foot and look to press their opponents - something that has become common practice for teams who win honours.
Jamie Carragher and Erik ten Hag have clashed over Man Utd's playing style (PA)He said: “They (the players) are committed to the club - but especially they are committed to this team. They want to be successful and are therefore aware you need the team, your team-mates and cooperation. When the cooperation is growing, you will play better.
“That is how the players are thinking - and they are not thinking about strategic reviews or structures or whatever. I have said that in possession we have to do better. But there are reasons for that. It is something I am not going into, but everyone can see why.
“But there are also facts so I disagree (with Carragher). We are much better. We are top Premier League in high-ball regains, we are top Premier League in middle-ball regains. So our pressing is always very good. So there is no truth in what he (Carragher) is saying.”