Erik ten Hag plays down Manchester United title chances after Pep Guardiola’s mind games

Erik ten Hag has played down Manchester United’s chances of winning the Premier League after Pep Guardiola suggested that The Reds have an advantage in the title race.

The United manager was asked about the possibility after gaining two points on leaders Arsenal earlier this week following victory against Bournemouth. United are now nine points behind The Gunners.

“We have to go from game to game, think about and work on that progressing, it’s all about that as a team, first thing and then individual as individuals get better,” was Ten Hag’s answer when quizzed on potentially being in the running ahead of United’s FA Cup fixture against Everton.

He also added, speaking about winning silverware this season: “I don’t think about that. It’s in this stage of the season you are not looking at, we have together into a position you can win something and I know the season is taking long, especially with such a lot of games ahead.

“Then don’t get distracted when you think too far ahead, you get distracted, focus on the team progress, team development, it’s all about that. We have many elements in our game we have to improve.”

This comes shortly after Guardiola claimed that both United and Arsenal have an advantage over Manchester City in the race for the league title.

“The advantage of Arsenal and Manchester United right now is nobody has to win the Premier League for 20 points ahead in November like Man City has to – and this is sometimes a big problem,” the City manager explained.

“People say, ‘Ah, yes, but you are [City] …’ But with Arsenal winning all their games and you are eight points behind, it can happen [City not winning the title].

“But, at the same time, I see the way we played the last games, and the feeling is good. Maybe we play s**t tomorrow, but the feeling is good.”

Man City host Chelsea in the league on Thursday evening and could move four points clear of United with a victory.