Erik ten Hag sets minimum demand for Manchester United players vs Everton

Erik ten Hag has told his Manchester United players to make sure they work harder than their opposite number while his injury-hit side continue to search for their momentum this season.

United have won four of their last five in the Premier League but are still struggling to hit top gear and have won nine and lost nine of their 18 games in all competitions this season.

They will walk into a furnace at Goodison Park on Sunday, with Everton furious at being handed a 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's financial rules. Sean Dyche's side are also in good form, having won six of their previous nine games, and his teams are notorious for their work ethic, while the Toffees also have a robust and physical midfield.

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But Ten Hag has no concerns about his team's ability to stand up and be counted in a scrap, despite their poor record away from home in hostile or loud atmospheres. The Dutchman believes work rate and an ability to fight has been crucial in those recent wins, with injuries still causing him countless selection headaches this season.

"We have emphased that in the past couple of games. Firstly, you have to get in to the fight when you don't have a left full-back, when you don't have a right winger and you have to swap your team," he said.

"Many of the routines are not 100 per cent working but make sure you get the foundation by getting into the fight. Make sure you run harder than your opponent, you cover for each other and you have quick reactions. That gives you a foundation because our players have a lot of skills and abilities.

"Their football is always