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Erik Ten Hag Disappointed By Man United’s ‘Unacceptable’ Lack Of Fight And Desire
Erik Ten Hag laments Manchester United’s “unacceptable” lack of grit and passion in Thursday’s dismal Europa League defeat to Sevilla, saying it let the fans down.
The Red Devils blew a commanding quarterfinal lead last week, and the first leg ended in a frantic 2-2 draw thanks to late goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire.
However, United faltered rather than fought back in the second game in Spain, losing humiliatingly 3-0, and Ten Hag’s team was eliminated from the Europa League 5-2 overall.
On Thursday, Youssef En-Nesyri took advantage of a Harry Maguire slip-up early on and later punished David De Gea’s slip following Loic Bade’s header in a humiliating loss.
When Ten Hag was informed that Sevilla appeared more motivated than his team, he responded: “I have to acknowledge (that). It’s the truth.
“It’s hard, it’s tough, but it’s the truth. It can’t be and it’s unacceptable, but I think we showed in the past we can quickly bounce back.
Manchester United players were left dejected after defeat to Sevilla
Manchester United players were left dejected after defeat to Sevilla (Isabel Infantes/PA)
“We did it between games many times this season but what we have to learn is to start games better, with more desire, more composure on the ball, and when you get the setback you have to deal with it and carry on.”
If United puts up a similar effort against Brighton in Sunday’s FA Cup semifinal, their Europa League exit will be made worse. Ten Hag understands he has a difficult job to elevate his team for Wembley after his team fell to the Seagulls at home in his first game in command.
“I already started,” he said. “We lift them and we have to pick them up.
“But also we have to face that we let ourselves down, we let the fans down and if you want to win trophies, if you want to be successful, you need other character.”
When asked if the squad still has a lot to learn after experiencing such highs and lows, Ten Hag responded: “Yes, it’s the truth that we have to be better.
“It’s not about playing skills. No, it is about character, so be composed, desire, and passion.
“They had more willingness to win. It can’t be and I think it’s unacceptable. After City, after Liverpool, after Brentford, and every time we bounce back.
“So in that perspective this team has character so have very good mental skills but in some occasions, we are not there. I think we have to accept that now but it’s unacceptable because everyone can see the demands and standard has to be higher in a club as Manchester United.”
