Erik ten Hag has acknowledged that securing qualification for next season’s Champions League will pose a significant challenge for Manchester United following a costly week.
United experienced setbacks by conceding stoppage-time goals in both a 1-1 draw against Brentford on Saturday and a dramatic 4-3 loss to Chelsea on Thursday.
These results saw them drop five points from winning positions within a span of six days.
As a result, Ten Hag’s team now finds themselves 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa and nine points behind Tottenham in fifth. With only eight games remaining, Champions League qualification appears increasingly difficult for United.
Moreover, England’s potential allocation of one of UEFA’s performance spots for the expanded 2024-25 competition further complicates the situation.
“In this week we have dropped five points in stoppage time and that is very expensive,” Ten Hag said.
“The points are getting more expensive because the games are running out; we know that. We have to catch up and we are many points behind so it will be difficult but we will keep fighting and I’m sure you’ve seen our team has character.
“They showed [against Chelsea] they are resilient and I’m sure they will go on Sunday and fight against Liverpool.”
Following their defeat at Stamford Bridge, Manchester United now face a daunting challenge as they aim to regain momentum when title-contending Liverpool visit Old Trafford on Sunday.
Ten Hag emphasised the need for his players to swiftly overcome the disappointment from the Chelsea game and hopes they will channel their emotions positively by approaching the match against Jürgen Klopp’s team with determination and a sense of urgency.
“First I have to deal with this, but I will say we can’t deal with this for long, we have to recover very quickly and turn this around,” Ten Hag said.
“From Friday on I will be in a positive mood, we have to be looking forward and take energy. You can take a lot of energy from being angry and that is how we have to do it.”
Ten Hag also addressed his decision to bench Marcus Rashford for the game at Chelsea. The England forward struggled to make an impact after coming on midway through the second half but Ten Hag insists he has no problem with the 26-year-old’s form.
“Lately his form is progressing,” Ten Hag said.“He has big motivation because he wants to be successful with us , win trophies and score goals.
He wants to win trophies and contribute and we still have a chance in the FA Cup and he wants to fight for the Champions League spot.
The Euros are coming so I would say motivation should be high and the form is momentum and we can always change momentum.
“Lately he scored; before Brentford he scored three goals in three games.”