Man Utd fans held up a banner reading ‘Play like you mean it’ on Saturday (Picture: Getty)
Erik ten Hag has responded to Manchester United fans who held up a banner reading ‘Play like you mean it’ in the Craven Cottage away end on Saturday.
The message was unveiled as United’s players warmed up for the match against Fulham, before they went on to secure a 1-0 victory thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ late winner.
United went into that game under huge pressure amid a horrific start to the 2023-24 campaign with supporters losing their patience at the team’s performances.
Asked for his thoughts on the banner ahead of United’s next fixture – a Champions League trip to Copenhagen on Wednesday – Red Devils manager Ten Hag, who has also attracted plenty of criticism himself in recent weeks, said: ‘The players made their efforts but there can always be more.
‘We expect the highest standards at Manchester United when you are a player, staff [member] or manager.
‘Our fans expect high standards. They expect that you win every game. And when you’re not playing well, you still have to win.’
United star Alejandro Garnacho referenced the ‘Play like you mean it’ banner in an Instagram post on Saturday and urged fans to ‘keep believing’ in the team.
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‘Play like you mean it!’ he posted along with a handshake emoji. ‘Keep believing in us… [Bruno Fernandes was] the main man!’
Garnacho completed 90 minutes and impressed in the victory, with the Argentine unlucky to miss out on an assist after VAR ruled out a goal for Scott McTominay.
The 19-year-old had made a total of 14 appearances this season, providing one goal, which came in Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace in September.
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