Erik ten Hag hails 'huge progress' as Manchester United manager pinpoints potential game-changer

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes his side are making “huge progress” this season.

The Red Devils came from behind to beat Sheffield United on Wednesday evening in another typically chaotic affair.

Despite United’s early dominance, the Blades took the lead in the first-half after a sloppy pass out from the back from goalkeeper Andre Onana, though Harry Maguire soon equalised with a fine glancing header.

After the break, the hosts fell behind again following Ben Brereton’s Diaz near-post finish before captain Bruno Fernandes bagged a brace – the first of which was a penalty before the midfielder scored a fine strike from 30 yards.

Rasmus Hojlund added a fourth after more good work from Fernandes to hand United a three-point lead over Newcastle in seventh.

Ten Hag is reportedly under pressure after a turbulent second season in charge, perhaps best epitomised by their collapse against Coventry in which they gave away a three-goal lead before winning on penalties to progress into next month’s FA Cup final.

The Dutchman, however, believes the amount of goals his team are scoring underlines the progress made during his second campaign.

United are tracking to make an improvement on last season’s Premier League haul of 58, having so far scored 51 with five games to play.

They have scored 14 goals in April alone, although are without a clean sheet since a 2-0 victory over Everton in early March.

Ten Hag believes the return of his injured defenders will help steady the ship as he bids to prove to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the new INEOS part-ownership that he is indeed the right man for the job.

“We are striving to progress the team,” he said.

“The number of goals we are scoring in this moment is a huge progress. If we have our back four back, then I'm sure we will be more consistent."

United host Burnley on Saturday before games against Arsenal and Newcastle later this month.