Erik ten Hag Sets Sights on Trophies for Manchester United After Dramatic Brentford Victory
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has made it clear that, despite a difficult start to the 2024/25 season, his ambitions remain high. Following a dramatic 2-1 victory over Brentford on Saturday, the Dutch coach reaffirmed his commitment to winning silverware and restoring the club’s glory.
In a season that has seen Manchester United struggle for consistency, Ten Hag remains optimistic that his team can turn things around. With the season still in its early stages, the former Ajax manager believes that Manchester United can once again challenge for top honors, both domestically and in Europe.
A Renewed Sense of Optimism After a Rocky Start
The 2024/25 campaign hasn’t been smooth sailing for Manchester United. After a promising pre-season, expectations were high for Ten Hag’s side. However, a string of disappointing results in the early months of the season has left fans and pundits questioning whether United can compete at the highest level this year.
The win over Brentford, though, provided a much-needed boost. After falling behind early in the game, United fought back, with Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford playing key roles in the comeback. It was a reminder of the team’s potential and fighting spirit, something Ten Hag is determined to build upon as the season progresses.
In his post-match comments to the Football Writers’ Association, Ten Hag emphasized the importance of living in the present and not dwelling on past achievements. “You have to live for now in football. Trophies are in the past; we need to prove ourselves every day and aim for more,” the manager stated. His message was clear: Manchester United should always be aiming for the top.
Silverware Is the Goal
Since taking over at Old Trafford in 2022, Erik ten Hag has already delivered success in the form of the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. However, the Premier League title remains elusive, and the club’s inconsistent form in Europe has added pressure on the Dutchman to deliver more.
Despite the setbacks, Ten Hag remains focused on winning more silverware this season. “We are just at the start of the season, but of course, that is a target, to win a trophy again,” he told reporters. “The spirit has always been high, but it helps the mood when we win.”
The win against Brentford has lifted some of the pressure off the manager’s shoulders, but he knows that his team must continue to perform if they are to achieve their goals this season. The demanding nature of Manchester United means that there is little room for error, with fans and the club’s board expecting consistent results and, ultimately, trophies.
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High Expectations and Relentless Focus
Manchester United is a club with a rich history and a global fan base that expects success. The pressure on Ten Hag to deliver is immense, but he has always embraced this challenge. “Everyone has high expectations of our team, so we have to win every game and go for it,” Ten Hag said, highlighting the intense focus required to meet the club’s standards.
This mindset of relentless pursuit is what he is trying to instill in his squad. Ten Hag’s philosophy revolves around discipline, tactical flexibility, and a high-pressing game. These principles were evident in the second half of the Brentford match, where United showed determination to claw back from a losing position.
However, Ten Hag knows that there is still work to be done. He has made it clear that the Brentford victory is just the beginning and that his team must continue to prove themselves throughout the season. “When we win, we enjoy it for 24 hours, and then we move on,” he said, underscoring the importance of keeping focus.
Looking Ahead: Fenerbahce and West Ham Challenges
Manchester United’s next test comes in the form of a Europa League fixture against Turkish side Fenerbahce. European competition has been a mixed bag for United in recent years, and Ten Hag is determined to change that. With the squad’s depth and quality, the Europa League represents a real opportunity to add to the club’s trophy cabinet this season.
Following the midweek European clash, United will travel to London to face West Ham in the Premier League. This fixture could prove crucial in maintaining the momentum gained from the Brentford win. A strong showing against the Hammers would go a long way in reinforcing the belief that Manchester United can still compete at the highest level.
Key Players Stepping Up
To achieve success this season, Ten Hag will rely heavily on key players like Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and new signing Rasmus Højlund. Rashford, who has been a standout performer in recent seasons, showed his quality in the win against Brentford, while Højlund’s contributions in the game suggest that he could be a valuable asset going forward.
In addition to these attacking threats, the team’s defensive unit will also need to step up. Injuries have hampered United’s backline this season, and Ten Hag will be hoping for more stability as the season progresses. The return of key defenders like Lisandro Martínez and Raphael Varane could make a significant difference in shoring up the team’s defense.
A Season of Potential and Determination
Erik ten Hag’s message is clear: despite the early setbacks, Manchester United is still targeting silverware this season. The dramatic win over Brentford has reignited optimism at Old Trafford, but Ten Hag knows that the road ahead is long and challenging.
With the Europa League and Premier League fixtures coming thick and fast, United must remain focused and consistent if they are to achieve their goals. Under Ten Hag’s leadership, the team has shown that they have the potential to win trophies – now, it’s about proving it on the pitch week in and week out.
As Ten Hag said, “We have to be determined,” and with that determination, Manchester United could yet have a successful season, bringing more silverware back to Old Trafford.
