Erik ten Hag took a swipe at the Premier League over their unfair scheduling on Saturday, insisting it is ‘not right’ Manchester United continue to be given early and late fixture slots.
Ten Hag’s side have already had to navigate two 12.30pm kick-offs on the south coast, at Brighton and here against Southampton, in the first four games of the Premier League season.
Last season they were handed 8pm matches against Crystal Palace, Brentford and Chelsea, and next week it is a trip to Selhurst Park at 5.30pm to face Palace.
'First of all, for the fans it is very unfair to deal with this, with 8pm away games on a Saturday night, the 12.30pm, it’s not right, but they are always there,’ Ten Hag said.
‘I’m so proud of our fans that they are always there, whatever happens on the pitch they always supportive of the team and there is a really good connection.
Erik ten Hag took a swipe at Premier League schedulers saying their fixture timings is unfair
‘They bring a very good ambience at Old Trafford and also at away games. I think the Premier League should pay some attention to this.’
Asked if the scheduling of United’s matches represents a major disadvantage compared to rivals, Ten Hag is convinced it works against his players despite a 3-0 win here.
‘It’s a big disadvantage, but we have to deal with it as they did today,’ he added.
‘The team are mature, it doesn’t matter, we always have to win, we can’t bring any excuse.’
Having lost two of their opening three games, this was a must-win and after Andre Onana’s first-half penalty save to deny Cameron Archer, United scored twice before the break through Matthjis de Ligt and Marcus Rashford.
Ten Hag claims the current scheduling system gives his Man United side a 'big disadvantage'
Alejandro Garnacho sealed Man United's 3-0 win with a rocketed finish late in stoppage time
Alejandro Garnacho put the cherry on top with a goal at the end of stoppage time and Ten Hag is convinced his side will only get better from here.
'You see, in the games from the Community Shield on, this team is growing, it still needs time,’ the United boss said.
‘We need to build this team. We will get there but it will be hard work.’