Erik ten Hag has admitted the points Manchester United have dropped in recent weeks are ‘expensive’ in the club’s bid to secure Champions League football.
The Red Devils have dropped five points in recent clashes with Brentford and Chelsea despite leading each game in stoppage time, with the latter scoring twice in 82 seconds to snatch a dramatic win at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
United will be aiming to bounce back when Liverpool visit in the Premier League on Sunday and Ten Hag said his team must learn how to see games out in the closing stages.
Asked how he has dealt with the recent setbacks, Ten Hag told his pre-match press conference: “For me personally? I have to manage the game and I have to manage the team. You have seen we have qualities. We have some great players.
“We can play at very high standards. We have seen that [against Chelsea] and against Liverpool. We can compete with the best and we can beat the best teams in the Premier League. And when you beat them in the Premier League, you can beat them across Europe.
“But we need to learn how to win games. How you bring – [Chelsea] was an example, Saturday [at Brentford] was an example – how you bring games over the line and get the three points. We have to step up and we have to make better decisions individually and as a team.”
United are now 11 points behind Aston Villa in the fourth Champions League position, with just one game in hand. Ten Hag admits his side’s recent errors have proven costly in their challenge for the top four.
“This week we’ve dropped five points in stoppage time and it is very expensive. The points are getting very expensive because the games are running out. We know that and we have to catch up. We are now many points behind.
“It will be difficult and I am sure that you see in our team that they have character. They are resilient and I am sure they will be ready to be in the fight against Liverpool.”
Ten Hag also addressed Marcus Rashford’s recent form, after comments from ex-Manchester United captain Gary Neville that he felt ‘something wasn’t right’ with the forward.
“I think lately his form is progressing and so the time will always be right. I think he has a big motivation because he wants to be successful with us.
“He wants to score goals, he wants to win trophies and contribute, and we still have a chance in the FA Cup. He wants to fight for a Champions League spot and the Euros are coming so I will say his motivation should be high. Before Brentford he scored three goals in three games.”
