Erik ten Hag sent six-word dressing room plea to Man United players after Liverpool Champions League boost

Erik ten Hag called on his Manchester United side to bounce back following their defeat to West Ham United.

Said Benhrama’s first-half strike was enough for the Hammers to bolster their Premier League survival hopes as his long-range effort squirmed past David de Gea. The blunder from the Spaniard handed David Moyes’ side the lead as they were also denied a penalty following an apparent handball from Victor Lindelof which wasn’t given.

Liverpool cut the gap to the Red Devils to just one point thanks to their win over Brentford and again, Ten Hag’s side failed to keep the Reds at bay as they fell to defeat in the capital.

Speaking about whether he is still confident about finishing in the Champions League places after their miserable evening at the London Stadium, the Dutchman said: “That’s what I just said in the dressing room ‘come on, these things can happen’.

“This season we have had some terrible setbacks and every time we bounce back, so once again, show the character and go on.”

United still have a game in hand on Liverpool and could restore a four-point gap to their European rivals. However, Sunday marked a second setback and subsequent boost for Jurgen Klopp’s side in a matter of days.

Alexis Mac Allister converted a 96th-minute penalty to hand Brighton and Hove Albion the points against the Old Trafford club. In recent weeks, Liverpool have formed a strong run going into the final stages of the Premier League.

Mohamed Salah was the match-winner in their last two outings, his most recent showing saw the Reds extend their winning run to six matches.