Ten Hag laments Man Utd finishing after Man City defeat

Football
30 Oct 2023 • 7:25 AM MYT
Tribal Football
Tribal Football

Tribal Football covers news from the Premier League, LaLiga and Serie A

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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag isn't panicking after their 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City.

United were outclassed by their dominant neighbours on the day.

But Ten Hag insists: "I think first half we played very well. The game plan was what we wanted and defended very good, closing spaces and keeping them away from the goal. There was one big save from Andre but we had opportunities from two or three big breaks. we need to take benefit from it. We have to take more.

"The penalty changes the game. I don't have a comment on it."

On sending on Mason Mount at half time, he explained: "To go more offensive. We are losing the game. Straight on after half time you have to be more offensive. We did it by getting Eriksen off the left side to go quicker up to Alvarez pushing and Mount for more offensive power to change the game.

"Our game plan, we were very disciplined in the first half. In the second half we make a mistake by going to the keeper in the wrong moment and not recovering quickly. They get into the game, get power in midfield, switch the play and make the goal. But it started with our mistake. We had to create because we are losing. You cannot wait. When you have Mount on the bench you can expect creativity.

"Last year we were in the same situation, also after the game with City. We have to forget this game and recover for the next.

"We played three times this year against City and in all those games played very good. First half today was good. We made it difficult for them and chances were similar. They got the first goal. Second half is not how we need to act, I accept that. But in all three games we played very well against them."

On taking off Hojlund, he added: "Rasmus is playing every game and he is not used to it. We had to work very hard to get the press on. You have to protect the players and get new energy on the pitch.

"The game plan was good. It is changing the game. You are losing and you have to act as a manager, especially when you have a bench. You have to use it to get more offensive power on the pitch."