Erik ten Hag has warned that any Manchester United stars who fail to show the necessary “hunger” will have no future at Old Trafford.
The United manager’s comments come as they prepare to face Brentford at home on Wednesday just days after a desultory defeat at St James’ Park.
The corresponding game, a 4-0 defeat at Brentford in August, was an early low point in Ten Hag’s reign and had the United manager ordering his squad in for punishment runs the next day.
But as he prepares to face the Bees once more, Ten Hag has let his player know he will not accept the lack of effort he saw in Sunday’s loss to Newcastle.
“When they can’t get it, then they are in the wrong place,” said ten Hag.
“I agree we returned to old habits but I also know there are fluctuations, people are not robots but we have to act as robots, as machines.
“We have to expect and demand of our players that they match the standards so when we are not doing, we are disappointed because that is our job.
“We have shown so many games we did it. It was tough, very strong belief, very strong confidence and passion and togetherness we had and have shown it in many games and big games.
“We have shown we can win the games but you have to do it in every game because that is the demand on Manchester United from our team and players.”
Despite his criticism of his players this week, Ten Hag has hit back at claims by pundit Rio Ferdinand that his stars have “downed tools” since beating Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final earlier this year.
“I don’t think so,” said Ten Hag. “We had a tough programme but it is unacceptable and I don’t accept it. We are in the final part of the season and everyone must stick together.
“I think we also after the Carabao Cup, we won many games, we put in a really good performance against Betis, we beat West Ham United also, we had also good performances.”
United go into Wednesday’s meeting with left-back Luke Shaw having signed a new, four-year contract with United.
“I think it’s a good message, any international signing,” said Ten Hag. “He is doing really well this season, really happy with them.
“He’s a modern left back but can also play left centre-back, he matches the standards we want to have, it sends a very good message.”
And more good news has come with the information that Christian Eriksen, out since the end of January with an ankle injury, returned to first team training on Tuesday.
United’s recent run of indifferent form has coincided with the loss of the suspended Casemiro, but his midfield partner Eriksen has also been sorely missed.
“Christian is not back for tomorrow but he’s returning on the pitch, he’s returning into team training today, so we have to see now how quickly he can make the progress,” said Ten Hag.
“He and Casemiro are two quality players. The midfield department, games will be decided always in midfield, when you miss two quality players it’s clear. But you have a squad, if you don’t have them you still have to win.”
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