Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag gestures on the touchline during a pre-season club friendly football match against Rayo Vallecano. Picture: EPA, Stian Lysberg Solum
Manchester — Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag urged fans to stay unified ahead of Monday's Premier League clash with Liverpool as some supporters plan to protest against the club's American owners, the Glazer family, before the game.
United have come under fire from fans after losing both their opening games to sit at the bottom of the league table, and also failing to secure transfer targets in the close season.
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"I can only say the owners want to win, and the fans, we want them behind the club," Ten Hag told reporters on Friday.
"And I can understand sometimes, but I am not that long in the club, to see all the backgrounds. We have to fight together and be unified."
🔊 "We have to be unified and fight together," Erik adds.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 19, 2022
"[United and Liverpool] are rivals and have to win every game, but especially this one." #MUFC || #MUNLIV
United, who won the last of their record 20 English league titles back in 2013, will be looking for their first top-flight points under Ten Hag when they host Liverpool on Monday.
They have been handed an early boost, with forward Anthony Martial back in training after missing the past two games with a hamstring injury, though it remains to be seen if he will be involved in the match.
Ronaldo in manager’s plans
Ten Hag was asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's future at the club and the Dutch manager reiterated that the Portugal forward remains in his plans, amid intense speculation over the 37-year-old's future.
"I don't know why he's a particular focus after Saturday, it was the team performance and the whole team's attitude, including Ronaldo," Ten Hag said. "He's in our plans, that's what I can say."
Ten Hag said the team would stick to their game plan against Liverpool, who are 12th after getting a draw in both their games so far.
Erik wants to see more of a fighting spirit from United on Monday 👊#MUFC || #MUNLIV
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 19, 2022
"I know the rivals, we are the rivals. We have to win every game, especially this game," he added.
"It's not different to motivate this team because my experience with them is they work really good on the training pitch."
Ten Hag was coy when asked about the prospect of the club signing Brazilian midfielder Casemiro from LaLiga champions Real Madrid.
"I cannot tell you anything," Ten Hag said, hours after Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said Casemiro is intent on joining United.
Reuters