Erik ten Hag has dismissed questions regarding his team’s mentality as Manchester United look to turn around their season.
United are 13th in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa and have conceded three goals in successive games against Tottenham Hotspur and FC Porto.
The Red Devils surrendered a two-goal lead before half-time against Porto in the Europa League on Thursday night, but Ten Hag has insisted his team have a ‘strong mentality’ after rescuing a result in Portugal with a late equaliser.
“This team has the belief that they don’t give up,” Ten Hag said at his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Villa Park.
“They have a strong mentality but in some other parts they have to step up. If you want to win trophies in some areas we have to improve.
“We are in there together. The leadership team, the staff, we bought again new young players and we have to integrate them. It takes time. In top football you don’t get time. They have to perform immediately but that is not always realistic. It needs time.
“We have more positions where we need time. I was pleased with the return of Hojlund. Hopefully he is now fit and keeps improving in his fitness levels and has a more consistent fit season that will help us.
“More areas where we will improve definitely and this team can grow and improve. We will see where we are at the end of the season.”
