Erik Ten Hag defends Manchester United after latest defeat

After Manchester United's third competitive defeat of the season, manager Erik Ten Hag defended his position, emphasizing the challenges of building a new team. He noted that several players were making their first starts, which contributed to the team's struggles. Ten Hag highlighted the need for players like Manuel Ugarte to improve their fitness levels to enhance the squad's overall performance. Despite the defeat, he acknowledged that the first half an hour of the match was satisfactory, but a significant error allowed Liverpool to capitalize on their chances. Ten Hag expressed disappointment over the team's inability to score for the first time this season, despite creating opportunities in the second half. He mentioned the tactical decisions made during the game, including the choice to keep Marcus Rashford on the field, who created two good chances. The manager recognized that individual errors are part of football and stressed the importance of humility and resilience in the face of setbacks. Looking ahead, Ten Hag emphasized the need for continuous improvement and the importance of working on team structures and fitness during the international break. He remains optimistic about the team's potential to compete for trophies this season, despite the current challenges. The manager's comments reflect a commitment to developing the squad and addressing the issues that have arisen in the early part of the season. In conclusion, Ten Hag's defense of his management comes at a crucial time as Manchester United seeks to bounce back from their recent defeats. His focus on building a cohesive team and learning from mistakes will be vital as they navigate the remainder of the season.