Erik ten Hag on state of Man Utd ahead of domestic football return – ‘We’re far away from where we need to be’

Erik ten Hag has admitted Manchester United are “far away” from where they need to be as he prepares for the return of domestic football.

United had a shocking start to life under Ten Hag with back-to-back losses in the Premier League, including a 4-0 defeat to Brentford.

They first face Burnley in the League Cup tonight at 20:00 UK time, where victory would put them in the quarter-finals.

“I knew it would be a difficult project,” Ten Hag told the press. “Manchester United was not in the circumstances that you would expect of them.

“I think now we’re in the right direction but we’re far away from where we need to be.”

A busy summer saw several players leave and many join Old Trafford with Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen all fitting in with Ten Hag’s style of play.

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Fred will have their contracts extended as their initial deals were set to expire at the end of the season. Goalkeeper David de Gea is still in negotiations with the club.

Ten Hag says he is “happy” with the performance of his players but urged they need to maintain a high level.

“I am happy with the way the players perform and the fact they play as a team with the right spirit and the right mentality,” the Dutchman said.

“But there is always a battle to keep that progress going. It means keeping the high standards.

“I always say, satisfaction makes you lazy. If you are too satisfied with yourself and the team, you will not maintain those high standards.

“It’s up to me to control that and set a good example.”