David de Gea claims Manchester United 's players "want it more" as they continue to adapt to life under Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman inherited a squad bereft of confidence following a poor end to last season where the club won just three of their final 11 games. United's losing trend continued as they suffered successive defeats against Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford at the start of the current campaign.
Since then the Red Devils have won five of their seven games in the league as they continue to rise up the table. Ten Hag has looked to instil a new belief in the playing group, which has helped them see off Liverpool and Arsenal already this term.
United's players have seen their attitude and desire questioned in the past, but De Gea believes the squad are in a good place under Ten Hag. He told the club's website : “I think we’re playing better. We are winning some difficult games, keeping some good clean sheets as well. That’s super important for us and I feel it. The players want it more, we are hungry and that’s a good signal, so let’s keep doing well and keep fighting together.”
De Gea was part of the starting XI when United were humiliated at Brentford in the second game of the season and spoke candidly about the team's attitude. He said: "When you have to play games that matters you need bravery, more consistency and be a proper player. It wasn't the case today."
United's remit this term will be to deliver a top four finish having missed out last term. Currently they are sat just outside and face competition from the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool if they are to return to the Champions League. Alternatively, a route back could be secured via the Europa League.
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Europe's secondary competition offers automatic qualification to the Champions League and it remains United's most recent piece of silverware. They won it back in 2017 when Jose Mourinho was at the helm, but have been starved of success since.
Da Gea was part of the squad when the Red Devils last won a trophy and, after more than five years without one, maintains that his key role is to help end that wait.
He said: “The main job is to try to reach the trophies and fight for them. I won already some trophies here and it was amazing, the feeling, and for the fans as well. This is what we are trying to do. We’re trying to improve and be a good team and a proper team and then fight for big things.”
