Erik ten Hag Manchester United 2022-23Getty Images

Ten Hag responds to Manchester United trophy chances after Arsenal win

  • United end Arsenal's 100% start to the season
  • But Dutchman insists massive improvements are still needed
  • Antony kicked off his United career in spectacular fashion with debut goal

WHAT HAPPENED? A 3-1 win against Arsenal ended the Premier League leaders' perfect start and moved United to within three points of top spot after four straight victories.

It was another memorable day at Old Trafford, following the 2-1 win against Liverpool last month to suggest Ten Hag's revolution is taking shape.

WHAT THEY SAID: But while the former Ajax boss admitted he understood supporters' growing optimism, he is adamant his team remain a work in progress.

"I understand fans are dreaming," he said. "The standards of Manchester United has to be good. We’re at the start of a process, we’re still far away, we have to get doing things much better than we do. That’s an investment.

"We have to get better if you want to win trophies in the end. We have to win every game. They have to see that the game is coming on, with the attitude we have to win games."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: After such a disastrous start to the season - losing to Brighton and Brentford in the opening two games, Ten Hag has overseen a spectacular turnaround.

But it is clear he is still trying to stamp his imprint on the team, with his players forced to withstand long periods of pressure against Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta's side dominated possession - just as Liverpool did in defeat last month.

Ten Hag will want to see United controlling games better if they are to truly challenge at the top.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

David de Gea Manchester United 2022-23Getty Images Antony Manchester United 2022GettyBruno Fernandes Manchester United goal 2022-23Getty

WHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY? This was a spectacular debut for the £81million winger - scoring in front of the Old Trafford crowd, as well as showcasing some of his tricks.

And Ten Hag insists there is much more to come from the Brazilian.

"I know what he can be," said the United manager. "I talked before the game that we needed that in the right wing. With his pace, his dribbles, his pressing capabilities, he’s really good with that.

"We’ve seen that and this moment he lacks a little bit of power, he missed some training, injury the last 10 days, you can see his potential. He has to work for it to get that. The intensity of the Premier League is going to be high and a challenge for him, but we’ve seen his potential today, it’s great he scored the first goal."

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