Erik ten Hag Stays Defiant After Liverpool Rout: 'I’m Not Harry Potter'

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has rejected comparisons to a magician following his team’s disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool, insisting his side still has a strong chance to secure silverware this season.

Liverpool’s Luis Diaz scored twice in the first half and Mohamed Salah added a third shortly after the break, leaving Old Trafford reeling and United fortunate to avoid a repeat of their 5-0 humiliation from 2021.

Ten Hag's starting line-up featured six of his new signings, including the £50.5 million Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who was introduced to the fans before the match. However, Ugarte, registered just before the deadline, was unable to make his debut due to fitness concerns, and Ten Hag stressed the need for time to integrate new players into the squad.

With Manchester United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, having earned just three points from their first three games, the pressure is mounting on the Dutch manager. Despite the setback, Ten Hag remained resolute, emphasizing that transforming the team will require patience.

"It is not like I am Harry Potter," Ten Hag said, rejecting any expectation of instantaneous change. "You have to acknowledge that."

He pointed out that three players were making their first starts of the season and stressed that Ugarte, in particular, needs time to regain full fitness and adapt to the team.

"It will take a couple of weeks, maybe even a month," Ten Hag added. "I am sure he will contribute to our team."

As United aims to recover from their poor start and turn their season around, Ten Hag's commitment to building and integrating his squad will be crucial in determining whether they can mount a successful challenge for trophies this year.