Angry Ten Hag says Brentford wanted it more than Man Utd 😡
"Completely uncalled for!" - Erik ten Hag expresses anger following Manchester United's concession of a last-minute equalizer in the 98th minute, attributing the result to Brentford players' superior desire and determination.
The frustration in Ten Hag's voice was palpable as he reflected on the match. Despite controlling much of the game, Manchester United's failure to secure the win left him visibly incensed. He emphasized the opposing team's hunger and drive, suggesting that Brentford's players displayed a level of determination that surpassed his own squad's efforts.
Ten Hag's remarks underscored the disappointment of seeing victory slip away in the dying moments of the game. As a coach known for his emphasis on discipline and competitiveness, witnessing his team concede such a late goal was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow. It was a stark reminder that in football, matches can be decided by the smallest margins, and in this instance, it was Brentford's hunger that ultimately made the crucial difference.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag criticized his players for not matching the level of effort shown by their opponents in their 1-1 draw against Brentford.
The Dutch manager was livid with his players for squandering their lead against Brentford, allowing the Bees to score a last-gasp equalizer in the 98th minute courtesy of Kristoffer Ajer. This frustration stemmed from Mason Mount having just put Manchester United in front moments earlier. Ten Hag's disappointment lay not only in the concession of the late goal but also in the rapid turnaround that saw his team's advantage vanish in the closing stages of the match.
WHAT TEN HAG SAID
Erik ten Hag expressed his frustration in an interview with Sky Sports, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a lead until the final whistle. He lamented the team's inability to see out the match despite having a strong squad capable of managing such situations. According to Ten Hag, conceding the late equalizer was completely avoidable and disappointing.
He suggested that the players should have reacted differently after conceding the equalizer, insinuating that they lacked the necessary resilience and determination. Ten Hag admitted that perhaps Manchester United didn't deserve to concede in injury time but acknowledged that Brentford's desire throughout the game ultimately earned them the crucial goal.
The manager's comments reflect his disappointment in the team's performance and their failure to secure victory despite being in a winning position. He stressed the need for a different mindset and approach in such situations to ensure better results in the future.
Last year was hard
Last season, Manchester United suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against Brentford, and this match could have ended with a similar scoreline. Thomas Frank's team registered an impressive 31 shots on goal and hit the woodwork four times.
The draw has significantly complicated Manchester United's chances of qualifying for the Champions League, as their rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham both secured victories on Saturday. Currently, United trail Aston Villa, who are in fourth place, by 11 points, and Tottenham, who are in fifth place, by eight points, with only nine games remaining in the season.
Ten Hag conceded that Manchester United did not meet expectations in their first match following their thrilling 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup. When questioned about the shortcomings against Brentford, he highlighted several areas for improvement.
He noted the team's lack of ball security in the final third and observed that Brentford displayed more energy, a reversal of what he expected. Despite their below-par performance, Ten Hag emphasized that even when the team doesn't perform well, they still need to secure wins. The near miss in securing victory was particularly disappointing for him.
What now for Man Utd?
Next week, Manchester United will travel to west London for their upcoming Premier League match against Chelsea. Securing a victory in this crucial fixture is imperative for their Champions League aspirations. Despite the challenging situation, Ten Hag emphasized that he remains optimistic about Manchester United's chances of qualifying for Europe's premier competition. He stated that the team will continue to fight until the end, suggesting that even a single point gained could prove valuable in achieving their goal.
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