Erik ten Hag expressed confidence in his Manchester United team, acknowledging their inconsistency but highlighting their talent as they face Bayern Munich in a crucial UEFA Champions League encounter.
The Red Devils’ Group A journey has been marked by goals, chaos, and errors, leaving their chances of advancing to the knockout stage hanging by a thread.
With just four points and a bottom position in the group, United’s fate hinges on defeating the already-qualified Bayern, requiring them to be the first team to do so in a Champions League group game since September 2017. The team also depends on a draw between Copenhagen and Galatasaray in the other match.
As they head into this decisive match, Ten Hag’s focus is on the immediate challenge, aiming for victory without dwelling on the potential impact of not progressing from the group.
A win guarantees United at least a spot in the Europa League, providing a glimmer of hope amid the challenging circumstances.
“I don’t know. What I know is I never think in a negative scenario. We think positive, so we know what to do.” Ten Hag said when asked by a journalist about his team’s chances on Monday.
“We have to win to stay in Europe, so it’s all about that
“We will prepare the team with that feeling and with that belief that we are able to do it and I think we have shown in the last weeks when we are on our best then we can do it.”
Undeterred, the Dutchman maintains confidence in his team’s capabilities, believing they have the quality to overcome the challenge and halt Bayern’s remarkable 39-match unbeaten run in the group stage of the competition.
“It’s our team (that gives me hope),” Ten Hag said. “We are not consistent. Clear.
“But we have also a very good performance and highs, so if we get it when we are in the right spirit, then we are able to do it and we are able to beat any opponent.
“The game against Chelsea (gives me belief), the game against Everton, even the game against Galatasaray.
“So, I know this team can perform really at high levels and it’s not that we did it three months ago. No, we did it last week, so I know we can do it.
“When we have the right mood, we have the right spirit, it starts with the right attitude, if everyone is ready for it, we are able to do it.”
United’s recent Champions League outings have been away from home, with a thrilling 4-3 defeat against Copenhagen at the lively Parken Stadium, followed by a challenging experience in Turkey a fortnight ago, where they encountered a formidable atmosphere dubbed ‘Welcome to Hell.’
In a frustrating turn of events, Ten Hag’s side squandered a two-goal lead in a 3-3 draw against Galatasaray in a hostile environment. The Red Devils’ manager emphasizes the significance of the Old Trafford crowd in the upcoming Tuesday match, recognizing the pivotal role that home support can play.
“I think Old Trafford is not a nice place to come for an opponent, and we are aware of it,” Ten Hag said.
“It starts with us but then, of course, you hope that the fans we are together.
“As long as I’m here, I always have the feeling we are absolutely together. There’s a very strong bond between the team and the fans.
“They’re always behind this, even when we have big setbacks. They’re staying behind us, they’re supporting us, so very happy with that.
“But we have to take the responsibility. It starts with us, we have to energise them.”
United continues to grapple with significant injuries as they gear up to host Bayern and face rivals Liverpool on Sunday. Victor Lindelof, absent in the Bournemouth defeat due to injury, participated in Tuesday’s training session. However, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were both unavailable due to illness during that session.
Rashford, feeling unwell, also missed Friday’s training and could only make a substitute appearance against Bournemouth after managing the illness. The team faces challenges in managing player fitness ahead of these crucial fixtures.
