Erik ten Hag admits that Manchester United need to show more hunger after they were criticised for failing to match FC Twente’s effort in Wednesday’s Europa League draw at Old Trafford.
Both Ten Hag and goalscorer Christian Eriksen acknowledged that their Dutch opponents ‘wanted it more’, and the United boss called for his players to show the right attitude in every game.
‘We should be (more hungry) that is what we demand from each other on a consistent basis,’ said Ten Hag, who also offered some defence for his players.
‘I think every team has this in a season, that is when you play 60 games. I am sure there will be games where you are not happy with the performance or not happy with the opponent once more.
‘I think that is always the psychological side of top football where any team has more hunger than the other. The team who can manage this the best will be the most successful. We are ambitious so we always demand from ourselves that we are hungrier.’
Erik ten Hag has admitted that his side need to show more hunger ahead of their next fixture against Tottenham
Christian Eriksen (second from right) opened the scoring but was at fault for FC Twente’s leveller
The Red Devils were criticised for not matching the endeavour of their Dutch opponents
United’s next challenge is at home to Tottenham on Sunday and Ten Hag is expecting a good game at Old Trafford. ‘I think it will be a very intense game, it is always against Tottenham,’ he added. ‘It is our style as well so I think it is going to be a very dynamic attractive game.
‘Every opponent has strengths and weaknesses, and Tottenham they have their strengths definitely. Their philosophy is very clear, very attacking, but that leaves also space and that is what to take into account and maybe can help.
‘You have to be very good against Tottenham if you want to control the game. You need again a high performance level and we were will create again I am sure and then take your chances.’
Ten Hag doesn’t expect any more additions to his squad for the Spurs game with Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia the only remaining absentees.