Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has told his squad they must learn how to “play nasty” if they are going to be successful this season.
The Dutch coach accused his players of being too passive during the 6-3 derby defeat to Manchester City and was also forced to defend their performance against Cypriot minnows Omonia Nicosia on Thursday as they were forced to come from behind to claim a narrow 3-2 win.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)
United next face an Everton team who are unbeaten since August, and Ten Hag is expecting a battle at Goodison Park on Sunday.
“I have to keep the reminder to play smart but they have to play nasty as well,” he said.
“You have to deliver and every player in the squad has to take that responsibility individually and they have to do it in a team culture. That is the demand from us, from the coaches to the players. I expect my players are brave on the pitch.”
United have struggled for consistency in Ten Hag’s first few months in charge. They have recorded impressive wins over Liverpool and Arsenal but also suffered heavy defeats to Brentford and City.
