Erik ten Hag has had a difficult start to life as Manchester United manager, but insists that the team can turn things around.
The Reds were victims to losses against Brighton and Brentford in the opening two Premier League fixtures.
Those games made it even more visibly clear that United need recruitment. Ten Hag pleaded for more additions to his squad and it looks like he's attracted Real Madrid's Casemiro to Old Trafford.
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More work does need to be done, but Ten Hag seems focused on improving the performances of current personnel too.
"I think I make myself clear. I was definitely not happy and in football you can talk about football, you can talk about planning our philosophy but the basic stuff has to be good," he told journalists when reflecting on the 4-0 defeat to Thomas Frank's men.
"That starts with the right attitude. So you need a fighting spirit on the pitch and I didn't see that from minute one,
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"I think it's basic. You have to bring it in every game on the pitch and of course especially Monday night. But you bring it every game."
Whilst some supporters relate terms such as 'fighting spirit' to the tenure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his apparent lack of tactical nous during his time at the club, it is one of the most importance aspects for a successful football team.
When looking at the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, you notice extreme talent on the ball, but also incredible work rate off it. United need to improve their levels on both sides in order to start competing at the top again.
"It starts with yourself," Ten Hag continued. "Act as a team. Follow the rules and principles and work hard, as hard as you can maximise,
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"If you do that, then you get confidence."
Whilst there have been major doubts outside of the United circle on whether the squad are up to standards, Ten Hag has assured that they are working well behind the scenes.
"It's not difficult to motivate this team because my experience with them is that, from the start of the season, they work really well on the training pitch."
With the coming game being against Liverpool, the Dutch manager realises the importance of the match and how it differs to other fixtures.
But he also acknowledges that United need to take each game as it comes in this difficult period for him and the team.
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"I know we are the rivals. We have to win every game but especially this game, yeah, I know,
"We work from game to game and now it's Liverpool. Obviously we know what's going on when you play against Liverpool and especially when you're Manchester United,
"So of course you have to be ready but also again you have to cut a point, you have to fight yourself into the season. But it is from game to game."
Featured Image Credit: Manchester UnitedTopics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Liverpool, Football