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Erik ten Hag admitted players sometimes need a \u201ckick in the a***\u201d to get the best out of them as out-of-sorts Manchester United prepare to face rivals Liverpool.<\/p>\n
This has been a challenging second campaign in charge of United for the Dutchman, with defeats in half of their 24 matches in all competitions putting his position under scrutiny.<\/p>\n
Lifeless back-to-back defeats to Bournemouth and Bayern Munich did not help his cause, with injury-hit United falling well short of the standards they set last season.<\/p>\n
When are you taking which approach? The kick in the a*** or arm around the shoulder?<\/p>\n
The form of too many high performers has dropped off, with forward Marcus Rashford a prime example having scored 30 club goals last term and just two this season.<\/p>\n
Asked what kind of approach he believes would get the best out of the forward, Ten Hag underlined the need to choose the right method for the right player.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think any player almost, sometimes it\u2019s arm around the shoulder, sometimes a kick in the a***,\u201d Ten Hag said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd then I think that makes a difference in the management, so when are you taking which approach? The kick in the a*** or arm around the shoulder?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ten Hag will be hoping United do not receive a collective kick in the backside at bitter rivals Liverpool.<\/p>\n
The Red Devils were hammered 7-0 when they last visited Anfield in March and will be dealing with as many as 11 first-team absentees when they return there on Sunday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI always have (belief),\u201d Ten Hag said. \u201cWhen I go to any game, I have the strong belief I am going to win. I will prepare the team in that way \u2013 that we are going to win.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd why? Because it\u2019s based on our rules and principles in the game, and it\u2019s based on our game plan and then a strong belief in the quality of my players.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pushed on what he has seen in particular ahead of Liverpool, he said: \u201cI see the quality on the pitch, on the training pitch.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut the only moment you have to prove it is in the games, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n
\u201cThis team proved this in certain games \u2013 when they have been under high pressure, they played very good football.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut also we have our lows, so high highs and low lows, so we have to as a team get more consistent.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ten Hag and his side have under-performed massively after a promising first season, leading to questions about whether he has a long-term future at United.<\/p>\n
The Glazers\u2019 dithering and the protracted partial takeover of Sir Jim Ratcliffe\u2019s group has led to a state of flux, with the Dutchman saying he has not spoken to Ineos during their recent visits to the club.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t say anything about it,\u201d Ten Hag said. \u201cThere are others in this club who are dealing with the strategic review, so I\u2019m just waiting.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m focusing on my job, which is performing with the team, developing the team.\u201d<\/p>\n