Exclusive: Erik ten Hag believes 'pressing machine' Man Utd are going in 'right direction' ahead of Galatasaray clash

Erik ten Hag has described Manchester United as a “pressing machine” who are heading in the “right direction” ahead of their crunch UEFA Champions League clash with Galatasaray.

United are bottom of Group A with just three points from four games - but are still in contention to qualify for the last 16.

Defeat to Galatasaray would end their chances while a draw would keep them alive heading into the final round of matches, although their fate would be out of their hands.

Win in Turkey on Wednesday, and United could move up to second in the group.

United head into the game, which is live on TNT Sports, on the back of a 3-0 win at Everton, which was their third victory in their last four matches in all competitions.

“We are progressing,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports.

“We know we are not there where we want to be, but we are going in the right direction definitely from results and from progression from the way of play.

“We want to play proactive, we want to play dynamic, we want to play brave. I am now almost 18 months here and we delivered that, we delivered that last year.

“Some games you have to be pragmatic, depends on if you have a lot of injuries, or setbacks, or you have to be flexible when an opponent is doing different stuff, but we will always stick to our own philosophy. We don’t go away from it and we have a way of playing and principles.

“We will always stick to that.”

United were beaten 3-2 by Galatasaray at home in the reverse fixture.

Ten Hag’s side led twice but were beaten late on after having midfielder Casemiro sent off.

Looking back on the game, Ten Hag said: “The execution was not that good, especially in the last 15 minutes of the game when you are leading in the Champions League you have to control the game, be compact, take the ball, keep the ball, stuff like this.

“We were punished, but we know how to play against them.

“Galatasaray is a good side and they played very good and brave at Old Trafford and they will do nothing else differently tomorrow, we know that.

“We have to play to our maximum levels to get the right performance and get the right result.”

United produced arguably their best performance of the season at the weekend as they beat Everton.

There have been questions asked over recent months about whether Ten Hag is implementing his style on the team, and he says United showed some of their best qualities at Goodison Park.

“We have a big quality in transition. If you talk about style, we are that pressing machine; good, organised defending and then we will come over turnovers and transitions from deep in counter-attacks.

“You have to play to your top level if you want to win tomorrow.”

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Galatasaray v Manchester United will be live on TNT Sports 1 with coverage from 17:00 UK time on Wednesday, November 29, with kick-off at 17:45.

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