Erik ten Hag: Man United Boss Explains Why His Team Drew With FC Twente, Names 1 Weakness
- Erik ten Hag has disclosed why Manchester United played out a frustrating draw in their Europa League opening game
- The Dutch tactician saw his side fall short for the umpteenth time at Old Trafford, this time against FC Twente
- The recent draw means United have won just one of their last nine games in Europe, losing on five occasions and drawing three times
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag offered insight into his team's shortcomings following their 1-1 draw against FC Twente in their UEFA Europa League opener on Wednesday night.
After a shaky start to the current campaign, the Red Devils were expected to secure a comfortable win over the Dutch side at Old Trafford.
Source: UGC
Man United split points with Twente
United got off to a promising start, with Christian Eriksen delivering a stunning strike in the 35th minute.
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The Danish midfielder’s goal seemed to set the stage for a dominant performance.
However, despite gaining the lead, indecision in the final third and a well-organised Twente defence kept the contest close, with the scoreline remaining 1-0.
As the game progressed, Man United’s lack of urgency and defensive lapses allowed Twente to capitalise.
According to the BBC, Sam Lammers punished United’s slack defending to equalise for the Eredivisie side, leaving the Old Trafford faithful frustrated.
Reactions to the video:
Here are some of the responses to the video.
@SeewhyChels:
"Onana is absolutely shocking."
@BighomieRay:
"Just look at Maguire. As big as he is."
@OdutoluTimothy:
"That's Eriksen's fault."
@carlocfc_:
"They don’t deserve to be in that competition. We would’ve done a lot better."
@StianHanssen26:
"Cant blame this on Onana. If he stayed more to his left then striker easily could pass to the other one and they woud score."
@_Mustang_7:
"That defending is pathetic."
Despite late efforts to reclaim the lead, the Red Devils couldn't find a breakthrough and ultimately settled for a disappointing draw.
The result leaves Erik ten Hag's charges in 10th position after matchday one, and they risk dropping further depending on the outcome of other fixtures.
Erik ten Hag explains United's draw
Reflecting on the result, Ten Hag expressed his disappointment while analysing the key factors behind his team’s failure to secure all three points.
“We showed some good moments and structures, but we lacked consistency,” Ten Hag stated, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
“At 1-0, we were in control, but we allowed them to stay in the game. Our work rate is usually high, but today, I have some criticism.”
The Dutch tactician acknowledged that the responsibility extends beyond just the players.
“It’s not just the team; I need to look in the mirror as well. I’m part of this,” Ten Hag added, admitting that improvement is needed across the board.
He concluded by emphasising the importance of finishing chances: “We have to be more clinical in such situations.”
Paul Scholes questions 2 Erik ten Hag signings
Earlier, Briefly News reported that Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has pointed out two players hindering the team's ability to play from the back.
Since Erik ten Hag took over in 2022, he hasn't implemented a possession-based style at the club. The Dutch manager has faced challenges in establishing a Red Devils identity similar to Ajax Amsterdam's.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
