The MUFC boss conducted his Spurs press conference last evening ahead of what is a must-win game for his United side after two straight draws in the league and Europa League.
A reason behind these last two poor results is the lack of a cutting edge in front of goal. The manager says that "not scoring goals. That is the problem." He feels that it is on the team as a whole to score goals and that there are enough players in the team to score.
The Dutchman also feels that fellow Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee has the ability to be a prolific goal scorer and that his goal against Fulham was great "but in that area [up front] he can definitely improve."
Captain Bruno Fernandes has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons and the manager was asked whether his skipper looks a little tired. He replied by saying that "I think the team brings him in a situation. I think he is capable and he has proven already, so many times in the Premier League, he can create many chances." He adds that he is "convinced" that Bruno will find his form and that he is still creating chances and that it's just a matter of time before we see improvements.
Erik ten Hag also admits that he is impatient and would like to go "straight forward" but also said that they've had success over the last two seasons despite the fact that results and current standings aren't ideal.
As for Spurs, ten Hag feels that it will be a "very intense game which is always is against Tottenham." The MUFC manager says that this intensity could also come down to United's style of play as well. "So I think it is going to be a very dynamic, attractive game."
The squad for Sunday will remain as is.
Final Thoughts
I feel like it's both as simple as not scoring and other factors like players not performing, lack of urgency (in the case of Wednesday night), not making the correct substitutions, not reacting quickly enough and more.
We are getting into the right positions and creating those chances to be missed, which is a positive, but we do need to be more clinical.
I don't think Zirkzee will ever be that prolific number 9. I hope I'm wrong but his play style isn't one of an out-and-out goal scorer. Harry Kane is the only striker that comes to mind who can be part of the buildup and still score a lot of goals.
He is still young though so there is much time and he has Ruud van Nistelrooy teaching him. That will help him a lot.
I had my say on Bruno Fernandes here. Not sure what's gone wrong with him tbh.
Do I believe in him much like the manager? I will always believe in a player like Bruno. Given all that he's done for this club and his ability as a footballer along with his mindset and willingness to give it everything, I will always back him.
He's obviously not in the best of places at the moment in terms of performances but if there's one player who can turn it around, it will be our magnifico. That isn't a name we give to just anyone.
As for the impatience, that is a word fit to describe society.
We're all impatient. We all want instant success. If we don't see results straight away, it will never happen. Most people don't give things time. Instant gratification is what we get in today's world when it comes to things like social media which is highly influential.
But that instant gratification doesn't happen in all walks of life. Time is the only thing that something needs. If you believe in it and work hard, keep going and never give up, you'll get your reward.
Yes it's year three with Erik ten Hag but when looking at it, his first season was an over achievement and was just his first season. Last season he was decimated with injuries and so far this season, things haven't been great despite having most of what he wanted and fewer injuries, but we can see improvements.
The draw with Twente may not be the game to view those improvements but across the season so far, United have made small strides into becoming better but it will take time to get to where we want to be.
Background Image: Erik ten Hag after the 1-1 draw against FC Twente | Creator: Ash Donelon | Credit: Manchester United via Getty Images - SuperSport