Erik ten Hag has called on Manchester United to "stick together" after Wednesday's defeat to Newcastle United in the League Cup fourth round added another disappointment to a difficult season.
United, who beat Newcastle in last season's League Cup final, saw their title defence end in a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford, with Miguel Almiron, Lewis Hall, and Joe Willock on target for the visitors.
It was the second time in three days United have lost 3-0 at home, having been beaten by the same score by local rivals Manchester City in the Premier League.
United have now lost eight of their last 15 games in all competitions, and five of their first 10 at home for the first time since 1930/31.
They have also lost five of their first 10 Premier League games for the first time, while their hopes of advancing to the Champions League knockout stages hang by a thread after two losses in their first three group games.
"It is not good enough. We know that," United manager Ten Hag said. "We were in the game and in a couple of minutes, we gave the game away. That's below our standards and we know that. We have to take responsibility for this."
Ten Hag said it was vital for his players to regain their confidence as United attempt to rediscover the form that saw them finish third in the Premier League last season, as well as reach both cup finals.
"You only get your confidence when you take responsibility and you fight and you are winning and dictating the crowd," he said. "When you do that, you get results and from there you build your own confidence. Confidence is something that is in your own hands and that is individual but of course, you have to do it as a team. You have to stick together."
Considering the impressive progress United made in Ten Hag's first season, it would have seemed inconceivable that the Dutchman would be under pressure just months into his second campaign, but such has been United's poor form, the manager finds himself under increasing scrutiny.
However, Ten Hag insisted he is the man to reverse the club's fortunes.
Man United v Newcastle player ratings
"I understand that when the results are not there, it is a logical process to question [the manager]. But I am confident I can do it," he said. "With all my clubs I have done it and also last year I did it here as well. In this moment, we are in a bad place. I take responsibility for it. I see it as a challenge."
While United are left to pick up the pieces of their latest setback, Newcastle moved on to the quarter-finals and a clash with Chelsea.
"I think the spirit of the group just showed in the performance, the togetherness, the unity," Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said.
"This is a really tough place to come and to score the goals we did at the times we did and just the manner of the performance really pleased me."
School counsellors on mental well-being
Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.
Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.
Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.
“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.
“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.
“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”
Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.
The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.
At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.
“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.
“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.
"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”
Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk
“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”
“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”
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