Erik ten Hag used his acceptance speech at the Football Writers' Association awards dinner on Sunday evening to try and breed confidence into his underperforming Manchester United players by revealing the club have 'high targets' to reach.
United secured a late victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday after Bruno Fernandes struck in stoppage time to seal a crucial Premier League win for the club.
Ten Hag's position as United boss, was, and still is being scrutinised but the victory handed him reasons to be optimistic heading into a crunch week of Champions League and domestic fixtures.
The 53-year-old was accepting an award after guiding United to the Carabao Cup title last season, a feat that Ten Hag described as a 'great success'.
Victory over Newcastle in last season's league cup final - a competition that United were just eliminated from by the same team - handed Ten Hag the first and only trophy of his time at Old Trafford so far.
United are already nine points adrift of Premier League leaders Manchester City, but Ten Hag has issued a rallying call telling his struggling superstars to 'stick together' during their current difficult patch.
'I was very proud of my staff and my players and to, to get that done [winning the Carabao Cup] and to to start a project,' he told the Northern FWA.
'We are in the project and when you are in a project, you know, ups and downs and this moment we are in a down, but I know and this, football is like life.
'It's not only going always the way up, it's in the moment in bad moments about how you stick together and how you continue the project, how you stick to the rules and the principles you have because, you know, and that is the way you finally achieve the success.
'And so I'm sure we are in the right direction,' added Ten Hag.
One step in the wrong direction would come in the form of failing to get a victory against Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday, with defeat leaving United's European ambitions in tatters.
The club haven't won the competition since beating Chelsea over a decade ago and United have struggled during their opening group stage matches.
But, Ten Hag is optimistic for the future despite recent issues and is adamant United will reach their 'high targets.
'In football it's all about winning trophies, it is very difficult after what Sir Alex did with Manchester United to do well with Manchester United.
'That is a challenge I would not get out of the way. I wanted to do the job and last year was fantastic, difficult start, but finally it became a great season.
'We are still really pleased with it, but it's not enough with Manchester United as we have high targets and we have to go and get there,' he added.
limdkopruy
0
You guys are just cursing the coach man u players are doing woefully
rehklnort
1
He talk much..But result is bad all the time.. shameless
Hohabcpruz
2
A flash in the pan. A lucky win get his head swell. Better leave the club before being sacked.
cizceikruy
0
You are as useless as your comment
takes one to know one
tembkopy
0
you can see the way he is holding the Carabao cup that it's a useless trophy celebrated by useless coaches like him
You are as useless as your comment
wuyclmnpz
1
No hair and his wishful thinking
Fieirsuyz
1
egg head 🥚🥚🍳 gonna sack
TanIsRed
1
Talk talk talk without plan or tactics won't work or bring any succes except heart failure for us fans as end of the day you will be paid & us fans will pay. ETH don't have that much time and must act fast otherwise you will end up being another flop project for the club. Lose, Draw or Win Manchester United forever. Get Going Manchester United 💪
sahilroshan
1
nonsense
ogonosylvester
0
man United should sign mitoma, Buemo, todibo, Alphonso
wehbdeilpy
0
you can see the way he is holding the Carabao cup that it's a useless trophy celebrated by useless coaches like him
The mad man you know how many cup your manager lose when him come too your club
wehbdeilpy
1
you can see the way he is holding the Carabao cup that it's a useless trophy celebrated by useless coaches like him
The mad you know how many cup your managers lose when him come too your club
cizceikruy
3
you can see the way he is holding the Carabao cup that it's a useless trophy celebrated by useless coaches like him
hinceimouz
2
Please do not open your big mouth First you should show example to your players by avoiding arrogancy , ego and favouritism
medabcdlsy
3
A scraped win against a spirited Fulham side and you are now talking of high standards and high targets!? Are they high standards when you blackmail and get rid of Ronaldo who has scored 400 goals since turning 30 and chosing to retain Rashford and Marshall who have scored 124 and 89 club goals respectively over the same period of time?! It thus speaks of how low your standards and targets are. Sorry, I am not that gullible.
vuzctuyz
2
Man Utd minimum 3rd or 4th place in may 2024
Borbor99
4
How they will stick together when u are the one separating players in the name of discipline.
ishti
3
Looking at their condition right now, 6th place is a high target