The defeat was a major setback for Ten Hag, who has been under increasing pressure since taking over as United manager in the summer.

The Dutchman has called on his players to show more character and resilience in the wake of the defeat.

“We have to show more fight and spirit,” Ten Hag said. “We have to be more aggressive and take responsibility.

“We can’t accept this. We have to learn from it and move on.

“We have to show that we are a team that can fight back. We have to show that we have the character to come back from this.”

Ten Hag also admitted that he made a mistake in bringing on Cristiano Ronaldo at half-time.

“I brought him on to score goals,” Ten Hag said. “But it didn’t work out.

“I take responsibility for that. I should have made a different decision.”

The defeat to Chelsea leaves United in sixth place in the Premier League, six points off the top four.

Ten Hag’s side face a tough test when they travel to Arsenal on Saturday.

The Dutchman knows that his team need to start winning games if they are to have any chance of finishing in the top four.

“We have to start winning games,” Ten Hag said. “We have to start picking up points.

“We know that it’s going to be difficult, but we have to believe in ourselves.

“We have to show that we are a team that can compete at the top.”