I will have to talk about this because if this happens again I will be force to allow the board sell them or I will leave the team for them”, Erik Ten Hag reacts angrily and blames Three Man United players for His defeat yesterday
Erik ten Hag expressed deep frustration following Manchester United’s recent loss to Brighton, where a last-minute goal by Joao Pedro in the 95th minute sealed the defeat. This loss came as a stark contrast to their previous week’s late victory against Fulham, highlighting early defensive issues in the season.
The match had seen former Manchester United player Danny Welbeck put Brighton ahead, only for Amad Diallo to equalize for the Red Devils. Later, Alejandro Garnacho appeared to have given United the lead, but his goal was disallowed after VAR revealed that Joshua Zirkzee, who was in an offside position, had touched the ball before it crossed the line.
Brighton’s decisive moment came late in the game when Joao Pedro found himself completely unmarked in the penalty area and easily scored past goalkeeper Andre Onana. This lapse in defense left Erik ten Hag visibly angered, as he identified three of his players who failed to prevent the cross from being delivered into the box, ultimately leading to the goal.
In his post-match interview, as reported by the Daily Mail, Ten Hag did not hold back his criticism. He emphasized the need for the team to learn from their mistakes, pointing out that such errors were unnecessary and preventable. He was particularly frustrated by how the defense allowed the cross from Simon Adingra, noting that the three right-footed players on the scene should have better managed the situation by forcing Adingra down the line and away from danger.
Ten Hag stressed the importance of communication and coordination in these critical moments, stating that every player must understand their role and work together to protect the goal. He acknowledged that there were multiple errors during the build-up to Brighton’s second goal, and these mistakes significantly impacted the final score.
Reflecting on the broader issues, Ten Hag recognized that Manchester United’s defense still has significant room for improvement. The defensive frailties reminiscent of last season’s struggles were evident, with the team repeatedly conceding avoidable goals. He hinted at potential changes in the lineup, suggesting that it might be time to give Matthijs de Ligt a starting role, given that he has only been used as a substitute in the first two matches.
Ten Hag also highlighted Harry Maguire’s poor awareness during Brighton’s first goal, indicating that several players shared the responsibility for the defensive lapses. This early-season defensive weakness is troubling for both Ten Hag and the Manchester United faithful, as it raises concerns about the team’s stability and overall preparedness for the challenges ahead.
As Manchester United seeks to rectify these issues, it is clear that Ten Hag faces a tough task in solidifying the defense and ensuring that the team does not repeat the mistakes of the past. With the season still in its infancy, the need for swift and effective changes is imperative if United hopes to compete at the highest level.
