The Premier League table since Man Utd’s 4-0 defeat at Brentford

Erik ten Hag has had quite a turbulent few months in charge of Manchester United, but he now has his side back on track and on course for a top-four finish.

Things didn’t start out particularly smoothly for the new manager as he lost his opening two matches. Brighton got the better of them on the opening weekend before Brentford hammered them 4-0 in the following match.

Ten Hag had plenty of problems to deal with in the early months as Manchester United took their time to get some of their transfer targets over the line. The Cristiano Ronaldo situation didn’t help things, either.

The manager came under plenty of scrutiny following United’s poor start and was even quizzed by Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher in an exclusive Monday Night Football interview.

Following the Brentford defeat, Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “I was definitely not happy. The basic stuff has to be good and that has to start with the right attitude.

“You need fighting spirit on the pitch and I didn’t see it from minute one. The players didn’t play good, a lot went wrong. You don’t have to talk about anything [tactical] when the attitude is not right.”

After the low of the Brentford defeat, Ten Hag managed to get his side back on track with a four-game winning streak which saw them beat the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.

United have been one of the most in-form sides since the return to action after the World Cup break as they have won all three of their matches. They have also kept three consecutive clean sheets in the league.

Ten Hag’s side have a crucial month coming up with games against Manchester City and Arsenal to look forward to. While they are currently on a fantastic run, the manager doesn’t yet see them as title contenders.

“That is a big step, no, we have to go from game to game and get the progress,” Ten Hag told reporters via Manchester Evening News. “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, but you have to go from game to game.

“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.”

It’s fair to say that United have reacted well after their setback against Brentford and we have put together what the Premier League table would look like after they lost that match.

1. Arsenal – 15 games, 38 points, +22 GD
2. Man Utd – 15 games, 35 points, +12 GD
3. Newcastle – 16 games, 31 points, +19 GD
4. Man City – 14 games, 30 points, +22 GD
5. Tottenham – 16 games, 29 points, +9 GD
6. Liverpool – 16 games, 27 points, +12 GD
7. Fulham – 16 games, 26 points, +3 GD
8. Brighton – 15 games, 23 points, +6 GD
9. Brentford – 16 games, 22 points, -2 GD
10. Crystal Palace – 16 games, 22 points, -6 GD
11. Chelsea – 14 games, 21 points, +1 GD
12. Aston Villa – 16 games, 19 points, -5 GD
13. Leicester – 16 games, 16 points, -3 GD
14. West Ham – 16 games, 15 points, -6GD
15. Everton – 16 games, 15 points, -8 GD
16. Nottingham Forest – 16 games, 14 points, -20 GD
17. Leeds – 15 games, 13 points, -7GD
18. Wolves – 16 games, 13 points, -15 GD
19. Bournemouth – 16 games, 13 points, -19 GD
20. Southampton – 16 games, 11 points, -15 GD

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