Ten Hag supports ‘Play Like You Mean It’ signs held by fans

The Manchester United fans who waved a “Play Like You Mean It” banner during the team’s Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday have the support of Erik ten Hag, who believes the players can “always be better.”

Bruno Fernandes, the captain, scored in stoppage time to give United a 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage. Ten Hag was under growing pressure at Old Trafford following back-to-back 3-0 home losses to Manchester City and Newcastle prior to the triumph.

Although United has lost eight games in all competitions so far this season, the club’s supporters have been more upset with the underperforming players than with former Ajax coach Ten Hag.

Furthermore, Ten Hag stated that his players had an obligation to live up to the expectations set by the supporters who created the banner when he was speaking in Denmark prior to Wednesday’s Champions League Group A matchup against FC Copenhagen.

“The players made their efforts but there can always be more,” Ten Hag stated. “As a player, employee, or manager at Manchester United, we hold you to the highest standards.

“Our supporters have big expectations. They count on you to win each and every match. Furthermore, you still need to win even when you’re not playing well.”

After losing their initial games to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray, United defeated the Danish champions 3-2 at Old Trafford to resurrect their hopes of making it to the knockout stages. Now, they take on Copenhagen.

In the event that United triumphs at Parken Stadium and Galatasaray loses in Munich on match day four, they will move up to second place and face the Turkish champions in Istanbul later this month in a match that might decide the title.

Ten Hag adds that despite United’s subpar play and results thus far this season, they may still compete in the main events.

“We don’t play well but we are in a position we are not too far away and we can compete for everything,” Ten Hag stated.

“We want to play better, but I’m delighted with that. That is unquestionably our goal.