Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has praised his players for recovering from their disappointing start to the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

The Red Devils suffered a 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion in their season opener on August 7 before going down 4-0 at Brentford six days later.

Man United responded with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool, though, and they have only lost twice in the league since, with a total of 26 points from 14 matches leaving them in fifth spot in the table.

Ten Hag said that his side have put in a number of impressive performances this season but picked out the 2-0 success over Tottenham Hotspur on October 19 as the best display.

© Reuters

"I think it's months ago. When you change things in organisation and change the way of playing, that takes time. In top level football, you never get time," Ten Hag told reporters.

"Opponents, they want to kill you and that happened. We had to quickly adapt, and I think our squad did terrific. The mentality changed and I think our way of playing changed during the season, the style, and I think we are growing, and we have to keep the process going.

"I think we played some more good games, like Everton away, Chelsea was a really good performance. But Spurs definitely. I think on that night, we played the best performance in this first 14 games in the Premier League.

"That is like the standard we have to build on and we have to progress. But by far we are now there where we want to be. If you want to compete for trophies, then you have to do much better in a lot of elements of football.

© Reuters

"That's what we're working for but you're still in the fifth position of the league. I think we're just in the right position. If we do the right things, if we work good, if we have the right plan, then yes I think it's hopeful. It gives us a good idea of where we can finish.

"I have the feeling, we have the feeling, that we are in the right direction, but we also know that it's still a lot of work to do for us here."

Ten Hag was also asked about the upcoming Europa League two-legged knockout round playoff with Barcelona.

"Yeah, but it's in the back of my head. First, we have a lot of other games to cover and I like the style of Barcelona. It's going to be a great competition between us," he added.

"We're looking forward but as I said, there are a lot of games coming up and we are focused on them. In the moment itself, we'll give it our best and make a clear plan. We have to beat them."

Man United are currently in Spain preparing for two mid-season friendlies against Cadiz and Real Betis on Wednesday and Saturday respectively.