Exclusive: Erik ten Hag on importance of 'togetherness' ahead of Burnley clash - 'Everyone is important'

Erik ten Hag has exclusively told TNT Sports that "you need everyone on board" at Manchester United as the club look for consistency after their recent poor run of results.

United have lost four of their last five matches in all competitions including most recently a 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Next up for Ten Hag’s side is a trip to Burnley, a match that will be shown exclusively live in the UK on TNT Sports.

Despite their recent disappointing spell, the Dutchman insists everyone at the club is pulling in the same direction as they look to turn around their fortunes.

“We are always looking to win games,” he said. “And it's all about that. We prepare the team in the best way possible to get that kick-start.

“You need everyone on board. Everyone is important. We do that with togetherness, we are strong. That’s the only way we can get out of this mess.”

United have recently suffered league defeats to Tottenham, Arsenal and Brighton, as well as against Bayern in Europe.

The one win during this run came against Nottingham Forest, a match in which saw them fight back from 2-0 down following a slow start.

Ten Hag believes the team are showing positive signs but are currently unable to maintain it for a whole 90 minutes, something he is calling on his players to improve on.

“In many games, we have very good spells in the game. But we are not consistent enough to win those games in this moment.

“We have to change that to be consistent. That is about the rules, the principles from our game, then we will win games.”

United make the relatively short trip to Turf Moor for the Saturday evening clash sitting 13th in the Premier League table, but will be up against a Burnley side without a win since being promoted back to the top flight this season.

The Clarets, managed by former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, have garnered just one point so far this campaign but Ten Hag will take nothing for granted.

“We always play with respect and show respect to your opponent,” he said. “But most important is how you play against that opponent, so [preparation] is always more about you than about your opponent.

“We have known each other for a long time,” he added with regard to Kompany. “We’ve already played against each other, him at Anderlecht and me at Ajax.

“Last season we met in the [League Cup]. Of course, I followed them in the Championship, I think it was a great achievement [their promotion to the Premier League]. So he's doing really well for Burnley.”

Amid United’s poor run, Ten Hag did have words of praise for Bruno Fernandes who he appointed as captain during the summer.

The Portuguese playmaker finished last season with 14 goals and 15 assists and his manager believes that he has both the mental and physical attributes required to drive the team forward this season.

“The value of the person was the authority,” he said of his decision to give Fernandes the armband. “Second you look for someone who gives inspiration. And can lead by example, also one who is able to scan situations on the pitch.

“Bruno gives us a lot, always. [He is] an example on the pitch giving the energy, communicating. So there's many skills to be the right captain and I think he shows it.

“His main skills are his energy, his defence transition is great, and also his final pass is very good. So three hugely rated skills he has, besides others as well.”

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Burnley v Man Utd will be live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ with the coverage from 19:00 UK time on Saturday, September 23.

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