'We are working in progress - Erik Ten Hag opens up on various aspects surrounding Manchester United

Erik ten Hag insisted that Manchester United must improve their effectiveness in front of goal to overcome their slow start to the season. Despite a topsy-turvy opening to his third campaign in charge, the team's recent 0-0 stalemate at Crystal Palace and a frustrating 1-1 draw with FC Twente have highlighted the need for significant improvement. Christian Eriksen's thumping opener was overshadowed by United's failure to secure a win against the lowest-ranked side they hosted in the new-look Europa League group phase.

Ten Hag's team made 18 attempts against Twente after failing to score from 15 shots at Selhurst Park. The manager emphasized the need for a killer instinct ahead of Tottenham's visit on Sunday.

Manchester United is a 'work in Progress'

Manchester United's Gaffer claimed his team to be a work in progress and backed his young signings, whom he believes are players of the future. “Still we are working and are in progress. We have made the choice to sign young players, like last year Højlund, like this year Zirkzee, Yoro – players who we believe in at this moment and also for the future and we have to build them.” Ten Hag stated.

Ten Hag's take on Zirkzee

Hojlund, 21, and Zirkzee, 23, must step up and showcase their talent soon for this season to be a success at Old Trafford. Holland is fighting to get a starting position against Spurs. He has made two substitute appearances since recovering from the hamstring injury. Zirkzee has featured in seven matches since joining from Bologna, but he needs to improve on his solitary goal scored in the opening-day win against Fulham.

Ten Hag has expressed his belief in the potential of the young Dutch talent Zirkzee to develop into a prolific goal scorer in the future. He commended Zirkzee for his creativity and skill as a striker, noting his ability to create numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Additionally, Ten Hag emphasized that there are areas where the young striker can further improve, and he is committed to assisting Zirkzee in enhancing his overall gameplay.

“I believe Zirkzee can be prolific, he is young, you see his skills. He’s a very good link-up player, he is creative, and his moments, the goal vs Fulham was a great action and finish. But in that area, he can definitely improve,” he said.

Ten Hag's Take on the Skipper

Eric Ten Hag showed confidence in the team's captain, Bruno Fernandes, and assured fans that the Portuguese midfielder will regain his form. He highlighted Fernandes's ability to create scoring opportunities and expressed certainty that he will start scoring again soon.

“He will come on this point, he will find his form. I am convinced he will not do differently, he is already creating chances but he will make final passes, he will score goals, one hundred percent and it is just a matter of time." - he added.