Man United manager Erik ten Hag expressed his frustration following the team’s 1-1 draw against FC Twente in their Europa League opener.
He criticized their inability to score a crucial second goal and lamented a costly mistake by Christian Eriksen, though he stressed that the entire team should take responsibility for failing to secure the win.
Speaking to TNT Sport, Ten Hag highlighted the team’s defensive lapse, allowing a Twente player to advance far too easily, calling it unacceptable.
He stated, “The goal was a team mistake. A Twente player was able to dribble through nearly half the pitch without being stopped. You can’t allow a goal like that. Once you’re 1-0 up, you have to push for the second goal and keep going for the full game.”
In a subsequent interview with reporters, Ten Hag acknowledged that while the team’s mentality and work rate were generally high, there was room for criticism, including on his part. He admitted they need to be more clinical in similar situations, and he, too, must reflect on how to improve.
He went on to add, “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. We have to be more clinical in such situations”.
This draw continues United’s rocky start in European competitions, following a poor Champions League campaign last season. Ten Hag’s side will next face Tottenham at Old Trafford and have upcoming Europa League fixtures against Porto and Fenerbahce.
Despite spending over £600 million on players since Ten Hag took charge with around £200 million of that in the recent summer 2024 transfer window, the team still lacks a clear identity, which raises concerns about their prospects for the rest of the season, especially if they struggle against lesser European opponents.
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