25 December 2023 , 22:30
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Erik ten Hag has urged his Manchester United flops to beat Aston Villa today to reward their long-suffering fans.
The Old Trafford club have now gone 381 minutes without a goal as they have crashed out of Europe and slipped to eighth in the Premier League on the weekend Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group assumed control of football operations.
And the Dutchman admitted his injury-hit side are not meeting the “standard” expected at the 20-time champions after the surrender at West Ham on Saturday lunchtime.
Asked for his message to United fans, Ten Hag said: “I am sure that they are very disappointed in us and we have to put things right and do things differently.
“We really appreciate all the time they are supporting us even with the setbacks. This season they are all the time behind us and we really appreciate it. Of course we need any help but first of all the team and I have to do it.
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The Red Devils manager also made it clear to players that excuses are not acceptable as a different standard is expected from United players simply because of the club they represent.
”I have to take responsibility and the players have to take responsibility,” said Ten Hag.
“I am not disappointed by the attitude. But of course we know what the standard is at Manchester United and we have to win as a team. Every individual has to contribute 100 percent in that responsibility we have.”
Ten Hag has demanded a response from his side (AFP via Getty Images)Ten Hag hopes Raphael Varane and Amad Diallo will be fit to return to ease United’s injury crisis with French teenage academy graudate Willy Kambwala making his debut in defence at the London Stadium.
“In every game, the big players have to step up,” added Ten Hag. “But everyone. Maybe in moments you expect from the seniors even more with young players around. But if you are good enough, you are also old enough.
“We have to do it together. It doesn’t matter what age it is. We have to put a team who has to win the game.”