10 November 2023 , 22:30
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Erik ten Hag has called on his senior Manchester United players to “step up” and help haul the club out of its current crisis.
United have lost nine of their 17 games this season and blew a 2-0 lead away to Copenhagen in the Champions League in midweek, eventually losing 4-3. Ten Hag's side, currently eighth in the Premier League, host Luton this weekend at Old Trafford, where they have lost five of their last eight games.
The United boss said the time has come for established players like captain Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire to draw on their experience to lead the club back to winning ways – starting today.
“We have such characters who can do it,” said Ten Hag. “I will mention Andre Onana, Harry, Scott McTominay, who in such moments show leadership.
“And Bruno, of course. We have enough players with character and personality to step up and lead the team. But it's also on others to step up. Casemiro and Licha Martinez are not there, so others have to fill in.
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“I think we can step up, but the injuries don’t help us. So often you have to swap the back four and then you don’t get the routine. In such moments, it's so important to have routines.”
Jonny Evans, who has started United's last two games, will miss today's encounter after coming off injured early on against Copenhagen. “We don’t have a full assessment done at this moment,” said Ten Hag. “But he is out for Luton."