‘Most important part of football’ – Ten Hag demands major improvement ahead of Brentford clash

Erik ten Hag was questioned once again about his team’s performances as his side prepares to face Brentford at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

The Dutchman has always defended his players when quizzed and often to his credit because many of them have warranted criticism. Nobody has faced as much scrutiny as the manager, though.

That said, Ten Hag is fully aware that his players get enough slack from the media. Does he need to add to it?

One element of United’s game that must improve in the coming weeks is our attacking play. The Reds aren’t taking their chances and you won’t win football matches if that keeps happening.

“I think the players do well, we won last season, maybe you forgot,” Ten Hag said as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.

“When we face problems, sometimes we have to line up teams who are not in the right balance because players aren’t available, but I think in general, the players do perform well. We have to start scoring now, which is the most important part of football. We have to improve that part.”

It would be naïve to suggest United’s attacking play is the only thing at fault this season when our midfield is still a mess and our defence is still capable of a slip-up.

Ten Hag needs a win against Brentford

A win over Brentford on Saturday would lift enormous pressure off Ten Hag’s shoulders but he has his work cut out for him after such a slow start to the season.

INEOS are backing him and they’ve made that clear since giving him a new contract extension in the summer.

United drew 0-0 against Aston Villa in the last game before the break and although a point was seen as a decent result, the Reds are currently positioned 14th in the Premier League.

In terms of goals, it’s really up to our attacking players to deliver on that front. They’ve created the chances but they aren’t putting them away and it has cost us.