Erik ten Hag has named five Manchester United players who need to ‘step up’ after the international break.
Amazingly, despite the poor start to the season Manchester United have had, Erik ten Hag’s side are within touching distance of breaking into the top four.
The 1-0 win over Luton Town thanks to a brilliant finish from Victor Lindelof means the Red Devils are hanging in there in the Premier League.
The injuries that United have had to overcome would make any side struggle in the division but the Red Devils are doing well to stay in touching distance of these top sides.
Ten Hag on players needing to ‘step up’
Speaking to the media after the victory over the Hatters, Ten Hag was asked about the injuries to Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez in particular and whether other players in the squad need to step up.
“Definitely, we have such characters who can do it,” Ten Hag explained when asked about the experienced players who can step up.
“You mentioned Rapha [Varane], but I will mention Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, who in such moments show leadership, and Bruno [Fernandes], of course.
“We have enough players with character and personality to step up and lead the team. Casemiro and Martinez are not there, so others have to fill it in.”
United’s group of leaders
The Red Devils, over the years, have taken some flak for not having players in the squad who can step up for the team when it matters.
When the club are playing in difficult environments and things aren’t going their way there is a tendency for the players to let their heads drop, FC Copenhagen being the best example of this.
Ten Hag, to his credit, believes in these players and has the belief that the squad has the leaders needed during times like these.
The Red Devils return to action after the international break when they take on Everton at Goodison Park and they will need this group of players to step up in a hostile environment.
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