MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 19:09:25| >> :60:195:195:

Erik ten Hag explains how Manchester United have improved defensively

Ten Hag explains how Man United have improved defensively
© Reuters
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag explains the importance of defending from front to back, with the team impressing at the back in recent weeks.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has explained the importance of defending as a team, with the Red Devils conceding just once in their last seven matches in all competitions.

The 20-time English champions have not conceded since the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on October 22, keeping clean sheets in their last three games with Sheriff Tiraspol, West Ham United and Real Sociedad.

Jorginho's goal for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge came from the penalty spot, meaning that Ten Hag's side have not conceded from open play in any competition since the clash with Everton on October 9.

Man United's manager has said that the ability to defend from front to back has made them more difficult to beat over the last few weeks.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured on October 19, 2022© Reuters

"Because we defend with 11, starting with Cristiano [Ronaldo] up front. So we are hard to beat as a team. I think that's a compliment but it's also that process we have to keep going, that makes it hard to beat us because everyone is convinced of that plan, everyone is disciplined in that plan," Ten Hag told MUTV.

"When we play with the desire and passion, we are hard to beat and that makes us, in this moment, successful."

Man United will be bidding to make it 10 games unbeaten in all competitions when they travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

However, the Red Devils will be without the services of Bruno Fernandes, who picked up a milestone booking in the 1-0 victory over West Ham United last weekend.

"Yeah, until now, Bruno is so important for us. In every match, he plays really good. I think also yesterday (Thursday), he was playing from the right, he made an impact there as well. You see, for instance, with the goal and also some other actions. As a no.10, he's playing really good games and we have to replace him, that's the squad," said the Dutchman when asked about the Portugal international.

"Therefore, you need a squad, it's not about 11 players, you need a squad to win in a season and now we have to replace him and we will do."

Bruno Fernandes in action for Manchester United on October 9, 2022© Reuters

Ten Hag is hoping to have Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho and Antony back for this weekend's contest, with the trio missing against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

"We will see tomorrow. They work at Carrington and then we will see how they recover and then we will pick a team," said Ten Hag when asked about their chances of being involved.

However, Raphael Varane, Brandon Williams and Axel Tuanzebe will be missing for Man United, who will again face Villa in the EFL Cup next Thursday at Old Trafford.

The 20-time English champions will then travel to Fulham in the Premier League next Sunday, which will represent their final match before the campaign is halted for the 2022 World Cup.

ID:498965:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5060:
Written by
Matt Law

Click here for more stories about Erik Ten Hag

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Aston Villa's Kortney Hause in action with Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, September 25, 2021
Read Next:
Man United looking to extend best-ever league away unbeaten run against Villa
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Bournemouth157352320324
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
13Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!