Erik ten Hag Tells Manchester United to 'Grow Up' after Conceding Soft Goals against Spurs
Erik ten Hag criticizes his Manchester United players for their performance in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham, specifically their defending at corners and their goal drought.
United's Defensive Struggles
Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, expressed his disappointment with his players' performance in a recent game against Tottenham. He specifically criticized their inability to defend corners, stating that they needed to be more assertive and physically dominate their opponents.
United twice let the lead slip in the match, with goals from Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford putting them ahead on three and 40 minutes. However, Tottenham's Richarlison and Rodrigo Bentancur scored to level the game.
Ten Hag highlighted the goal conceded from a corner, where Aaron Wan-Bissaka lost his marker. He emphasized the need for his players to be more proactive in heading the ball away and preventing such situations from occurring.
Goal Drought and Insecurity
Ten Hag also addressed the ongoing goal drought of his forwards, which has affected the team's overall performance. He stated that when the front players are not scoring, it affects the confidence of the entire team and makes them more insecure in both attacking and defensive aspects of the game.
He expressed his disappointment with conceding two soft goals after taking the lead twice in the match. Ten Hag acknowledged the frustration of the situation but emphasized the need to accept it and learn from it.
Despite the setbacks, Ten Hag highlighted the team's fighting spirit and their efforts to secure a win. He believed that their performance showcased unity and determination, which were positive aspects to take away from the game.
Looking Ahead and Hope for Improvement
Ten Hag also discussed the perceived unfair decisions by referees throughout the season, including potential penalties not awarded to his team. While he acknowledged the frustrations, he remained hopeful that things would eventually turn in their favor.
He concluded by reflecting on the importance of staying resilient and growing as a team. Ten Hag emphasized the need for his players to mature and improve their defensive capabilities in order to prevent similar situations in future games.
The draw against Tottenham marked the first game in which both Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford scored for Manchester United. While Ten Hag recognized their contributions, he emphasized the collective responsibility of the team in both scoring and preventing goals.
