Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has said his teammates need to "show a bit of balls" in their final four Premier League games as a top-four finish fades from sight.
The Scot was speaking after a fourth straight league defeat, and one which saw the Red Devils fall six points behind opponents Arsenal. It was the first game they had played since the club confirmed Erik ten Hag as their next permanent manager, with the Dutchman set to take over from interim incumbent Ralf Rangnick ahead of the 2022-23 season.
McTominay also had a message for the incoming manager after the loss in north London. Ten Hag looks set to have a lot on his plate, with the 3-1 reverse bringing up a 41-year record.
"There's a whole load of problems in terms of players, staff, anything within higher up, we need to just concentrate on what happens on the pitch," McTominay told BT Sport after the game. "For us, when we get back in the dressing room, it's go home, take a look at yourself in the mirror.
"You can't go back to your house and be satisfied with conceding three goals at Arsenal whenever we deserve to win. For us, self-belief, lack of confidence, you can see it all in the last two months.
"The last four games are about pride for us. Going out on the pitch and showing a bit of balls in your performances and not shying away from the ball or not doing everything right."
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"When the new coach arrives we have to be ready for everything," the 25-year-old added. "We have to be prepared and focused on our work to impress him and then we can build on that."
With 54 points from 34 games, United are on track for their worst ever points tally in Premier League history. Defeat in any of the remaining four matches would make them unable to match the 64 points earned under David Moyes in the 2013-14 season.
Ten Hag has spoken of the "great honour" of being handed the United job. The former Utrecht boss is on track to retain the Eredivisie title with Ajax, but missed out on a shot at a domestic double when his team lost to PSV Eindhoven in the KNVB Cup final.
"I know the history of this great club and the passion of the fans, and I am absolutely determined to develop a team capable of delivering the success they deserve," he said. "It will be difficult to leave Ajax after these incredible years, and I can assure our fans of my complete commitment and focus on bringing this season to a successful conclusion before I move to Manchester United.”
