Erik ten Hag has discussed Manchester United’s development ahead of this weekend’s clash with West Ham at Old Trafford.
United are sixth in the Premier League table, a point outside the top four, and secured progress in the Europa League with a 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday evening.
The Red Devils are unbeaten in seven games across all competitions, a run of fixtures which has included clashes with Newcastle, Tottenham and Chelsea – three sides above Ten Hag’s team in the Premier League table.
United have shown encouraging signs in recent weeks and Ten Hag believes there have been positives from recent performances. The 52-year-old is aware of expectations, but insists that it will take time before his methods are ingrained into the squad.
“To develop the team takes time. You can’t go from zero to 100. You have to construct it from the outside, you need development before you go to the top, to the roof,” Ten Hag told his pre-match press conference.
“Unfortunately it takes time and I don’t have time, I’m really the most impatient, but I have to, it’s quite clear. Now, I think we’re getting better defending with 11.
“Players are more and more aware of it, that we have to do it with 11. Also our build-up, I think we’re improving game to game. Now, we need to do more to develop our attacking game but it’s the most difficult part so it takes even more time.
“You can’t increase the tempo of that process. I want it but we have to take the time for it.”
