Erik ten Hag Slams Manchester United Flops After Costly Draw Against FC Twente
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag did not hold back after his team’s disappointing 1-1 draw against FC Twente in their Europa League opener on Wednesday.
Despite a stunning goal from Christian Eriksen in the 35th minute, a second-half blunder from the Danish midfielder allowed Twente to equalize, leaving Ten Hag frustrated with his players.
Eriksen was dispossessed by Sam Lammers, who capitalized on the mistake to score in the 68th minute. Rather than placing the blame solely on Eriksen, Ten Hag emphasized the collective responsibility of the team for the failure to maintain their lead.
“We kept them alive,” Ten Hag said. “1-0 up, controlling the game, you have to be consistent and keep going. In the second half, we dropped the level and gave the goal away. We didn’t finish it off, we had to go for the second goal, and so they stayed alive and we got punished with a mistake from ourselves.”
When pressed about Eriksen’s error, he noted, “The goal is (a) team (mistake). A player of Twente can dribble through the pitch without stopping.
We can’t give a goal away like this. You have to keep going for the whole game; once you’re 1-0 up, you have to go for the second. It’s the first game; it’s very important you get a win.”
Reflecting on the match, Eriksen expressed disappointment in the team’s desire, stating, “They looked like they wanted it more; that can’t be right. I think everyone is looking at themselves. We don’t lose, but it feels like a loss.”
United’s poor run in European competitions continues, with only one win in their last nine games, following a disappointing finish at the bottom of their Champions League group last season.
Ten Hag’s team will look to bounce back against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday, with upcoming matches against Porto and Fenerbahce on the horizon.
Erik ten Hag Slams Manchester United Flops After Costly Draw Against FC Twente
