Erik ten Hag has said it is too soon to judge Manchester United and has called for patience with his team.
Manchester United’s winless start to the Europa League continued after a 3-3 draw at FC Porto on Thursday night, with the Red Devils requiring a stoppage-time equaliser from Harry Maguire to earn a point in Portugal.
United had taken a two-goal lead inside 20 minutes through Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund but the lead was surrendered before half-time as Pepe and Samu Omorodion levelled the score. Omorodion, who caused Matthijs de Ligt problems all evening, scored his second to complete the turnaround, before Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second straight game. Maguire’s late rescue act salvaged a draw for the 10-man visitors.
The draw comes after Ten Hag’s team conceded three goals in defeat to Spurs at Old Trafford at the weekend, their second 3-0 loss on home soil in the Premier League after losing to Liverpool by the same scoreline.
Ten Hag has spent more than £600m on new signings during his time with the club and is coming under increasing pressure to improve results. However, the Dutchman has insisted it is too early in the process for his team to be judged.
“We will get there,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports. “Don’t judge us in this moment, judge us at the end of the season.
“We are in the process, we will improve. We have had two seasons where we have reached finals, we will continue and fight.”
Ten Hag insists Manchester United team ‘together’
Ten Hag has insisted his squad remain ‘together’ despite recent results but warned his team must improve defensively to progress moving forward.
“You see the spirit and the connection between the staff and the team,” Ten Hag added.
“The players are together, they have a strong spirit and they want to achieve. We have a good mentality but in some defending parts we have to step up.
“We had three clean sheets not a long time ago so we can defend very good, but we have to go back to those habits.”
