Erik ten Hag has managed to unite the Reds squad after becoming Manchester United manager in the summer.
It was evident, from minute one, that Manchester United were desperate to beat Southampton and strengthen their position in the Premier League table. Erik ten Hag’s side – even if not mathematically – are well and truly out of the title race, but there is still a lot to play for in the league.
Clearly, the FA Cup and Europa League represented clearer silverware opportunities heading into the weekend, and if United can triumph in either of those competitions, it would mark a good season for the club. It would, however, be an even better campaign if Ten Hag’s men can finish inside the top three, having ended up in sixth position last term.
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After such a disappointing period under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick last season, the Reds have already had several moments to celebrate this campaign. The Carabao Cup triumph over Newcastle United will, understandably, be at the top of many fans’ lists, but the shift in mentality and increased togetherness also ranks highly.
When Casemiro was sent off against Southampton on Sunday afternoon, Ten Hag’s men had a united desire to go on and overcome Saints, even though they were down to 10 men. The Brazilian midfielder was shown his marching orders for a late challenge in the first half, but his teammates were there to console him and make it clear that they would do everything to secure the three points.
United weren’t able to go on and get the win, and the away side deserve credit for their stubborn showing. Despite this, it was clear that the Reds were all pulling together to achieve the same aim – something that would have been unthinkable during the toxic periods of last season.
There were widespread rumours of a dressing room split between certain players, and while some United players moved to dispel those reports, there was – undoubtably – tension. There are simply too many reports of player fall-outs to recall, but arguably the most ‘popular’ relationship to speculate on was that of Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo.
This season, however, is very different. Not because Ronaldo is now playing in a different continent, or because Maguire is struggling for minutes, but because Ten Hag has managed to change the mindset of the United players. It showed on Sunday, as it has done on several
It was clear that Ronaldo was not happy at Old Trafford, and that became even more evident when he made the decision to conduct an unauthorised interview with Piers Morgan ahead of the World Cup. Ultimately, the Portuguese legend parting company with the club was the right call – and ensured the 38-year-old was no longer the main topic of conversation.
During the goalless draw with Southampton, Casemiro, as he began to trudge off the pitch, was consoled by his teammates. Antony was particularly keen to look out for his compatriot, before telling him, “I will win this game for you”.
There was a similar attitude in United’s dressing room at half-time, as revealed by David de Gea. The Spanish shot-stopper was asked by MUTV if the Reds believed they could still win the game, even after Casemiro’s dismissal. He replied, “Of course, that’s what we said at half-time.”
While Ten Hag’s men were not able to keep their ‘promise’ to Casemiro, the words of Antony and De Gea speak volumes about the togetherness at Old Trafford. The heavy defeat by Liverpool earlier this month shows that United, while much more of a resilient unit this term, are still vulnerable to the odd collapse. However, the reaction to that defeat – a 4-1 defeat of Real Betis – showed the Reds are more than capable of responding to a setback.
The fact that United can still end this season with three trophies and a top-four finish is a sign of the improvement made since Ten Hag began his reign as manager in the summer. As much as anything, it indicates that consistent reports of division, as well as dressing room leaks, were well and truly left behind with the disappointing memories of last campaign.
Source: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
