Erik ten Hag tells Man Utd flops they must show passion or LEAVE as boss rages after ‘unacceptable’ Newcastle defeat
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ERIK TEN HAG has told his under-performing stars they are at the wrong club if they still do not know what he wants from them.
The Manchester United boss is prepared to cut his players some slack as they are “not robots” — but said they really need to be.
Ten Hag is dismayed by the recent slump in their league form, which has seen them win just three of their last nine games.
And after Sunday’s “unacceptable” 2-0 defeat to top-four rivals Newcastle, the Dutchman questioned the attitude and desire of his team.
United’s England defender Luke Shaw also said the Toon had clearly wanted it more than the Red Devils.
Ten Hag wants to see a reaction in tonight’s Old Trafford clash against Brentford — who gave him a rude 4-0 awakening in the second game of the season.
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He was asked if he was worried some of his players were not getting the message about their hunger and motivation.
And he revealed: “When they can’t get it, then they are in the wrong place.”
There are question marks over the futures of several big-name players this summer, including Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho.
United looked like a well-oiled machine as they beat Newcastle 2-0 to lift the Carabao Cup on February 26 — but have malfunctioned since then.
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Ten Hag, 53, said: “I agree we return to old habits but I also know there are fluctuations because people are not robots.
“But we have to act as robots, as machines, we have to expect and demand of our players that they match the standards.
“So, when we are not doing it we are disappointed because that is our job.
“There is a very strong belief, very strong confidence and passion and togetherness.
“We have shown it in many games and big games, we have shown we can win the games.
“But you have to do it in every game because that is the demand on Manchester United.”
Theatre of Dreams legend Rio Ferdinand believes some players have downed tools after ending their six-year wait for a trophy.
Ten Hag does not agree but wants to see improvements from all of them as they tackle Thomas Frank’s Europe-chasing Bees.
Asked if he agreed with ex-defender Rio’s view, ETH said: “I don’t think so — after the Carabao Cup final we won many games.
“We had a tough programme but now they have had their rest and I don’t accept it.
“We are in the final stage of the season, so you have to be physically and mentally fit and that is the responsibility of everyone in the team. Everyone must stick together and stick to the plan.”
Brentford famously raced into a four-goal lead after just 35 minutes of Ten Hag’s second game in charge on that Saturday in August.
He ordered his players in for extra training the next day and gave them gruelling running drills.
After Sunday’s St James’ Park defeat, the squad held their own dressing-room inquest.
Ten Hag added: “On Sunday, we returned to bad habits and you get hammered and they know this.
“We had a bad start to the season. You go to Newcastle and deliver this, that is far below the standards and the performance we can expect.”
United have struggled in the absence of suspended midfielder Casemiro but have also missed playmaker Christian Eriksen.
The former Brentford man has been out with an ankle injury since late January but was due to return to group training yesterday.
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Ten Hag added: “Him and Casemiro are two quality players.
“When you miss players like this it’s clear — but if you don’t have them you still have to win.”