Manchester United’s lackluster performance in a 2-0 defeat against Tottenham has drawn sharp criticism from manager Erik ten Hag, who described the team’s display as “not acceptable.” The Dutch manager expressed his frustrations, emphasizing the drop-off in performance and a lack of effort during the match.
Ten Hag’s criticism targeted both the defensive and offensive aspects of the team’s play, citing vulnerabilities that led to defensive lapses and a failure to capitalize on scoring opportunities. While he acknowledged that the midfield wasn’t to blame for the loss, he highlighted issues in other areas that contributed to the disappointing outcome.
The manager’s frustration was evident as he stated, “It’s not about the midfield. It was about the back and the front. That’s why we were open.” He lamented the team’s failure to maintain consistency throughout the game and stressed the demand for a high level of performance from every player, regardless of the situation.
While Ten Hag accepted responsibility for the defeat, he also underlined the importance of collective effort and togetherness. He stressed that Manchester United players need to maintain their commitment for the entire duration of the match, mentioning that the team’s potential can be unlocked if they perform well in the opening stages.
The defeat against Tottenham serves as a wake-up call for Manchester United, prompting a reevaluation of their approach and performance standards. With the next Premier League match on the horizon, Ten Hag’s message seems clear: the team must strive for consistency and unity to achieve the desired results in future fixtures.