Erik ten Hag insists his Manchester United side are still on the right track despite being thrashed 3-0 at home by rivals Manchester City.
Erling Haaland scored a double before he set up Phil Foden for the third on another miserable afternoon for ten Hag – who has now lost five of his ten Premier League games in charge this season.
But despite the defeat, the Dutchman hit back at suggestions that his side are not moving forwards.
“You ask that after today’s game against City,” ten Hag said.
“But the three games before, we won and the fighting spirit is very good.
“I think we are on our way up. The start was difficult but now we’re on the way up.
“And I’m sure when the injured players get back, we will be stronger. Therefore we have to be patient.
“But I’m happy that some injured players are coming back and the side will be stronger.”
City were awarded a controversial penalty in the first half which allowed Haaland to put his side ahead from the spot heading into half-time, and he scored again shortly after the restart to kill the game off.
But despite the heavy defeat, ten Hag believes there are positives to take.
“When you lose the derby in the way we lose it’s disappointing because first half we had a very good game plan, the execution of the game plan was also very good,” he said.
“It was toe to toe first half, very similar, but then the penalty of course changed the moment.
“Second half we chose to become more offensive and then the 2-0 is too quick. From that point on it was a very difficult game.”
