Erik Ten Hag: Manchester United Will Improve, But He's No Magician

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Erik ten Hag has dismissed any comparisons to "Harry Potter" and stated that he is not capable of performing quick fixes for Manchester United after their disappointing 3-0 loss to Liverpool. The Dutch manager is feeling the pressure just three games into the new Premier League season, following a 2-1 defeat at Brighton the previous weekend. Despite finishing eighth last season, a surprise FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May helped Ten Hag secure his position at United, although it was their lowest ever Premier League finish.

The former Ajax boss was even handed a contract extension and backed with a 200 million pounds ($262 million) spend on new players during the transfer window.

But hope of a new dawn has not lasted at Old Trafford as Liverpool strolled to victory in Arne Slot's first major test since replacing Jurgen Klopp.

"It's not like I'm Harry Potter, that is what you have to acknowledge," Ten Hag said in his post-match press conference.

"We just had a third game in the season, again we have to build a new team.

"We will build this new team, we have young players, also we have now players to build in the season. Today we had two or three players that didn't start of the season and they didn't play 90 minutes.

"We will be fine. It's clear we have to improve, but at the end of the season I'm quite confident that we will have a big chance to lift another trophy."

In one of the most glaring hallmarks of United's struggles last season, Casemiro was the fall guy for Liverpool's first two goals.

The Brazilian twice lost possession before Luis Diaz fired home and the five-time Champions League winner was replaced at half-time by 20-year-old Toby Collyer.

"I think that in football everyone has to take responsibility," added Ten Hag on whether he can continued to field Casemiro given the five-time Champions League winner's decline.

"He's a great character. He has won everything in his career. I'm sure he will keep contributing to our team.

"Casemiro is always winning, so he will be there."

United have not even challenged to win the Premier League in the 11 years since legendary former manager Alex Ferguson retired.

Another season fighting for other silverware already appears the best that they can hope for with a six-point deficit to Liverpool and defending champions City.

"It hurts, especially for our fans," said Ten Hag.

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"We have to be humble, we have to give the compliments to Liverpool and we have to move on."

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)