Erik ten Hag tells Man Utd stars 'you must step up vs Aston Villa' as boss under pressure

Erik ten Hag has issued a rallying cry to his Manchester United squad, insisting they must rise to the occasion in Sunday’s pivotal match at Aston Villa that could seal his fate at the club.

With United’s performance waning after securing a mere three victories out of nine across all competitions this season, the pressure is mounting.

The team’s recent form includes failing to secure a win in their last four outings, with a last-gasp goal from Harry Maguire salvaging a 3-3 draw against Porto on Thursday after squandering a two-goal lead.

The stakes are high for Ten Hag as he faces a critical test at Villa, fully aware that another defeat could jeopardise his position post-international break.

United’s top brass, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will be present at Villa Park to witness the crucial clash and deliberate on Ten Hag’s future with the football executive team following the match’s conclusion.

Ten Hag has praised his players for their resilience and unwavering belief in difficult times, urging them to demonstrate that same fortitude to dig themselves – and him – out of the current predicament. “There is a range, a spectrum of topics, and you have to address it right,” Ten Hag declared.

“We have to improve if we want to make it a success. And we can only win trophies, like we did in the last two seasons, when we improve. So we will work on this, definitely.”

When questioned about whether he believed the United hierarchy would remain patient with him during this challenging period, Ten Hag said: “We’re in there together. The ownership, the leadership, the team, the staff. I appointed new staff.

“We brought in new young players again and we have to integrate them, like Manuel Ugarte. The No.6 position was one of the positions we wanted to sign for this season, but he needs time to integrate.

“I know in top football you don’t get time, they have to perform immediately, but that’s not always realistic. Ugarte has to get used to our game model, he has to get used to his team-mates, he has to get used to the intensity of the Premier League.

“We have more positions where we need time. I’m very pleased with the return of Rasmus Hojlund. We couldn’t play him in the first two months of the season, but hopefully now he’s fit.

“There are more areas where we will improve, definitely, and then the team can grow and improve. Then we will see where we will end at the end of the season.”

Ten Hag also expressed his satisfaction with Rasmus Hojlund’s return and optimism for the team’s growth and improvement.

He added: “There are more areas where we will improve, definitely, and then the team can grow and improve. Then we will see where we will end at the end of the season.”