Ten Hag needs to step up

There was something worryingly familiar about Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after Wednesday's game against FC Twente.

There was a stern look on his face as he walked round Old Trafford applauding the fans who remained following the 1-1 draw against spirited, but limited, opposition.

There was a defence of his players to the media, even though he agreed with goalscorer Christian Eriksen that his old club had "wanted it more".

Ten Hag denied it but the same claims have been made at periods throughout his tenure. It hints at a mental issue that is simply not being solved.

When Ineos opted to stick with Ten Hag in the aftermath of last season's eighth-placed finish, they did so largely because it was felt the structures were not in place that would allow the former Ajax boss to succeed.

The structures are now there but there is no obvious change.

It is far too early for Ten Hag to be under real pressure. But, to coin a phrase he likes to use, he needs to step up.