Manchester United's manager, Erik ten Hag, has expressed confidence in the club's direction despite facing consecutive Premier League defeats. The team currently sits 11 points off the top four and is at risk of losing a third league game in a row for the first time since 2015 when they face Everton at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag acknowledges the pressure on his job, especially with the recent arrival of new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. However, he remains optimistic about the trajectory of the club under his leadership, stating that the project is moving in the right direction when the team has all its players available.
Despite the challenges, Ten Hag believes that Manchester United has a bright future compared to other managers, teams, and previous leaders of the club. He emphasizes the importance of success and the team's determination to fight through setbacks and injuries.
Regarding the injury situation, Ten Hag is hopeful that the team will soon have key players returning, although they may not be available for the upcoming match against Everton. Players like Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans are expected to be fit, while others such as Rasmus Højlund and Harry Maguire could return for the FA Cup tie against Liverpool.
However, several players including Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Omari Forson, Anthony Martial, and Mason Mount are still sidelined due to injuries. Ten Hag acknowledges the challenges of coping with multiple key players being unavailable but commends the team for performing at their best given the circumstances.
Despite the setbacks, Ten Hag remains positive about the team's performances when players are available, citing strong showings in January and February. He reiterates the team's commitment to fighting through adversity and striving for success in the long term.
