Erik ten Hag Worried about Manchester United’s Deficiencies
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed his frustration over his team’s inability to find a decisive second goal in their 1-1 Europa League draw against Twente at Old Trafford. Despite Christian Eriksen’s first-half wondergoal putting the Red Devils ahead, Sam Lammers’ equalizer in the second half saw the visitors take a point, leaving United to rue missed opportunities.
In his post-match analysis, ten Hag pointed out the team’s defensive lapse that allowed Lammers to dribble through the midfield and score an equalizer, a goal which he described as “unacceptable.” The Dutchman emphasized the need for United to remain on the front foot once in the lead and to seek out a second goal to kill off the game.
He told TNT Sports: “The goal, it’s a team mistake. A player of Twente can dribble through almost the whole pitch, or half the pitch, without stopping. That is not acceptable, we can’t give a goal away like this. Once you are 1-0 up, you have to keep going and go for the second [goal].”
Self-Criticism and the Call for Improvement
Ten Hag did not limit his criticism to the players, admitting that the team’s mentality and performance are aspects he must also take responsibility for. “I can offer mentality is very good from this team. I saw in many games how high our work rate is, but today I have some criticism. It is not only the team; I have to look in the mirror as well. I am part of it,” ten Hag stated. He further stressed the need for United to be “more clinical in such situations,” reflecting on the team’s inability to capitalize on their dominance.
Moving Forward: A Need for Ruthlessness
The Dutch manager’s comments underline a consistent issue for Manchester United this season—lack of ruthlessness in front of goal and closing out matches. With Europa League progress hanging in the balance and other competitions underway, ten Hag is calling for both self-reflection and a more aggressive approach from his team to ensure future success.
