Erik ten Hag acknowledges higher expectations at Manchester United after big spending – ‘I accept that pressure’

Erik ten Hag has explained how raised expectations come with the territory after Manchester United’s heavy spending in the summer transfer window.

More than £200million was spent to bring in Antony, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Casemiro at the start of the campaign, and Ten Hag says United must now justify those reinforcements with positive results.

United resume their Premier League season against Nottingham Forest on December 27.

“I accept how it is, I accept that pressure,” Ten Hag said in his pre-match press conference.

“But also for the manager of Chelsea and of Newcastle United, those clubs who have invested a lot in their squad.

“It’s big pressure for all of us to get into the top four. We want to be in the top four and fighting for trophies, that’s our aim.”

Two United players – Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez and France’s Raphael Varane – featured in the World Cup final last Sunday, and the Red Devils manager says the duo are doubtful for the visit of struggling Forest.

Martinez was an unused substitute for the match, while Varane played 113 minutes before being replaced by Ibrahima Konate in extra time.

“I can’t answer that question now,” said Ten Hag regarding Martinez playing next Tuesday.

“He’s still celebrating in Argentina, in Buenos Aires, he’s on the tour going around in Buenos Aires.

“I can understand that, it’s very emotional, very loaded when you win the World Cup [and bring it] into your country, it’s magnificent. But Martinez also has to accept that on the 27th the Premier League will go on.

“Varane, of course, is disappointed about losing the final but he can also be proud of being in the final again and all that he has achieved in his career is massive, as a team and a player, to win so many trophies.”

He is expected to miss Forest’s visit to Old Trafford and is yet to return to training alongside the rest of the squad.

The 22-year-old has not featured since playing in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on October 22 and has been sent to the Netherlands for an individual training programme.

Ten Hag has previously spoken of his uncertainty as to what has caused Sancho’s form to nosedive.

“We want to bring him back as quickly as possible, but I can’t give a prognosis of when that will be,” Ten Hag said.

“Sometimes there are circumstances with fitness and mood. We got a drop of quality level and sometimes you don’t know why or what is causing it.

“That is what we are doing now to try to get him back there. It is a combination of physically and mentally.”