Erik ten Hag admits Man United have 'fallen down in the standards' as he makes request to his players

Erik ten Hag has made a request to his Manchester United players after admitting that the club has "fallen down in standards".

United's fortunes improved when Ten Hag became manager in 2022, with the Dutch coach ending the club's six-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup and guiding them back into the Champions League.

His second campaign in charge has been an underwhelming one though, with United currently sixth in the Premier League table after being eliminated from Europe before Christmas.

However, there is hope that better days are on the horizon at Old Trafford.

United started 2024 with a seven-game unbeaten run before losing 2-1 to Fulham last weekend, but bounced back with a 1-0 midweek win against Nottingham Forest to secure safe passage to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Off the pitch, the partial takeover of the club by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group has given fans hope that United will soon return to fighting for league and European titles.

Ten Hag revealed he has already witnessed the impact United's new co-owner has had, but reminded his players that ultimately it is only they who can return United to club football's elite.

"This club has fallen down in the standards, but now we are back," Ten Hag told BBC Sport.

"I have already seen some examples of how [INEOS] can support us to really set that right standard.

Ten Hag's United have lost just one game this calendar year (Getty)

"We know when performances are not right we have to look in the mirror, to tell each other the truth and get things right.

"There are always many fans away and home standing behind us, but it starts with us; we have to put energy into the stands and then it comes back."

Ten Hag was speaking ahead of the 192nd Manchester derby on Sunday.

United face a daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City, who comfortably beat them 3-0 at Old Trafford in October.

Ten Hag will be without eight first-team stars due to injury including in-form striker Rasmus Hojlund.