Manchester United

Erik ten Hag: 'Consistency has been our main problem this season'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 06 October 2023

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says that the lack of 'consistency within matches' is the main reason for the team's issues this term.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that the lack of 'consistency within matches' is the main reason why the team have struggled in the early stages of the 2023-24 campaign.

The Red Devils have made their worst start to a league season for 34 years, suffering defeats in four of their seven matches, while they have also lost their opening two Champions League fixtures.

Six defeats from 10 games in all competitions represents a disastrous start for the 20-time English champions, and they will now be aiming to bounce back from successive losses to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray when Brentford visit Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

Ten Hag has insisted that his side have been 'doing a lot of things right' during matches but are currently struggling to put together a consistent performance.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Antony looks dejected after the match on October 3, 2023 © Reuters

"Consistency. That is the problem we are struggling with. In parts of the games, in big parts, we do a lot of things right, but we have moments where we struggle and in such moments we can't survive," the Man United boss told reporters during his press conference on Friday.

"We need to do the right things, be consistent and do it like before, so definitely you can mark such a moment like when we score or concede a goal. We have to step up.

"It's difficult (how to fix the problems), but you do research and look at it. We've spoken about it, how we can improve and we make some agreements about that. I think it's more than one factor, concentrations is one, but there's other things."

Ten Hag also opened up on the amount of changes that he has had to make this season due to the significant injury problems in the squad.

"We've had to make changes almost every game and the routine changes. You make mistakes as a team and the opponent takes benefit from it, so we need to be on the same page, we need communication in such moments, to be well organised," he added.

Manchester United's Harry Maguire and teammates look dejected after the match on September 30, 2023 © Reuters

"We've dropped the levels and we have to get back to those. There are reasons for that, but still, it's not acceptable and we have to fight against it.

"They have a good foundation for the way we play, we have rules and principles. When they help each other and support each other, we will play better."

Ten Hag also said during his press conference that Antony is now 'ready to start', having made his comeback from a leave of absence off the bench against Galatasaray.

However, Sergio Reguilon remains unavailable for selection alongside Lisandro Martinez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo.