12 September 2023 , 15:13
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Erik ten Hag needs time to make Manchester United great again – according to former Old Trafford No.2 Mike Phelan.
Ten Hag ended United's six-year wait for a trophy last season with the Carabao Cup and took them back to the Champions League with a third place finish in the Premier League. But United have lost two of their first four games this season, against a backdrop of injuries and off-field controversies, which have put Ten Hag under pressure right from the off.
Despite United's poor start, Phelan, who worked alongside Sir Alex Ferguson during his glittering reign, said Ten Hag must be given time to take the club back to the top.
"Him and his coaching staff have made a difference, from what was left,” said Phelan. “They're changing a lot of things and changing them quickly. There's a definite difference in standards, you can see that.
"There has been great success - or relatively great success - in one year and I'm sure he wants to push on. It's been a little bit up and down at the start of the season, but that happens. I think they can progress and make bigger strides.
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"They've spent a lot of money in the windows, but he needs time. Everyone needs time to put their mark on things. People forget that, but you have to win football matches.”
Former Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan has affored his view of the current situation at Old Trafford (Getty Images)Will Erik ten Hag be a success at Manchester United? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Phelan said United's stuttering start to the new campaign should be put into perspective, claiming the focus and scrutiny at Old Trafford is bigger than at any other club.
"It's Manchester United - you lose one game, you can call it a blip,” Phelan told Sky Sports. “You lose two or three in a row? It's probably a crisis.
"Having lived it, I understand what he's going through. There's a story about Manchester United every day, all different mediums now to find a story. There's a lot of work to do but he's trying, he's finding ways to find his feet still. But they need results."