Erik ten Hag addresses Manchester United’s title chances after Bournemouth win

Erik ten Hag has said that it’s too soon to consider Manchester United as title challengers after their win against Bournemouth lifted them within nine points of the top of the table.

Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford provided the goals on Tuesday evening to ensure yet another comfortable victory at Old Trafford. That’s seven in a row at the Theatre of Dreams for Ten Hag’s men.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s stalemate against Newcastle at the Emirates meant a rare two points dropped for Mikel Arteta’s men. Manchester City have a tough fixture against Chelsea on Wednesday night.

United only entered the top four for the first time this season after victory against Wolves on the weekend. But there are murmurs of a potential title challenge if things go their way.

With games against City and Arsenal later this month, United could be in a very healthy position should they come out on the right side of those fixtures. However, Ten Hag was clear that it’s too early to consider this possibility.

“That is a big step, no, we have to go from game to game and get the progress,” he answered when asked about the potential of being title challengers by reporters. “The belief is growing. That is a good signal, and it is good to have that feeling.

“We have to understand that we have to give every game 100 percent energy, 100 percent focus and 100 percent play as a team, and if you keep that philosophy, it is possible [to win the league], but you have to go from game to game,” he added.

“Don’t get too far ahead it is January not even half a season. The next game is Everton, we have to focus on that, it is coming quick, enjoy 24 hours and then move on.”

Supporters will be hoping that United can be in the conversation but they need reinforcements no matter what.

Read More: Explaining Marcus Rashford’s resurgence under Ten Hag at Man United

Anthony Martial went straight down the tunnel after being replaced on Tuesday; United are looking to add another centre-forward to their ranks on loan this month. Thankfully, Ten Hag provided a positive update on the Frenchman.

He said: “Yes [it was a knock], but I think it will be fine.”