The situation escalated following a devastating last-minute loss at Chelsea, where United conceded twice during stoppage time.
The 4-3 loss at Stamford Bridge compounded the frustration following a 99th-minute equalizer conceded against Brentford last Saturday.
Currently positioned sixth in the Premier League table, Manchester United finds themselves nine points behind fifth-placed Tottenham with only eight matches remaining.
Additionally, they trail fourth-placed Aston Villa by 11 points, with Villa having played one more game. As time dwindles, the pressure mounts for United to reverse their fortunes and mount a late surge for a Champions League spot.
With league leaders Liverpool next up at Old Trafford on Sunday, United boss Ten Hag acknowledged it will be “difficult” to bridge the gap with the teams above them.
“We are many points behind. It will be difficult but we will keep fighting and our team has character.
“We have seen (against Chelsea) they are resilient and we will be in the fight against Liverpool.”
When asked if United will need to produce a flawless end to the season to make the top four, he added: “Yes, but that is also what I said before the match.
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“I have to manage the team. We have qualities, some great players, we can play to a very high standard.”
The Dutch manager also noted the importance of United supporters avoiding tragedy chants about the 1989 Hillsborough disaster for their meeting with Liverpool this weekend.
“It’s very important to be behind Manchester United and to support us in a positive way,” he said.
“There is a fantastic bond between the team and the fans and we want a positive mood at Old Trafford on Sunday.”
