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Erik ten Hag Criticizes 4 Manchester United Players In Furious Interview After Defeat To Brighton

Published

2 years ago

May 5, 2023

Erik ten Hag Criticizes 4 Manchester United Players In Furious Interview After Defeat To Brighton

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed his frustration with four of his players following their defeat to Brighton.

The Dutchman was disappointed with the team’s lack of efficiency in front of goal during the late 1-0 loss on Thursday.

In an enthralling encounter at the Amex, Brighton scored a 99th-minute winner. Both sides believed they deserved something from the game, but it was the Seagulls who emerged victorious.

United had better chances in the first half, with Antony missing a clear opportunity in the opening seconds of the game. However, failing to capitalize on any of their openings proved costly for the Red Devils.

During an intense post-match interview, Antony was one of the players that Ten Hag called out.

He also highlighted Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Casemiro, stating that they should have scored from the chances they had.

Ten Hag expressed his annoyance with the result, telling Sky Sports: “I think in the first minute it was everything, we created a chance, but we didn’t score.

So we have to be more clinical with our chances in the first half. And in the end, we gave away a goal, that can’t happen, must not happen.”

He added: “We lost maybe a little bit of focus, also a bit unlucky because it was never a free kick where the corner came from. So you can’t bounce back anymore but that’s what we have to do on Sunday [against West Ham]. We had the chances clear. With Antony dos Santos, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Casemiro – all great opportunities, one has to be in.”

Alexis Mac Allister scored the only goal of the game deep into second-half stoppage time. Luke Shaw handled in the penalty area, and referee Andre Marriner pointed to the spot after being alerted to the incident by VAR.

The World Cup winner remained composed and sent David De Gea the wrong way with a sublime penalty. The victory took Brighton above Tottenham into sixth place, still with two games in hand over the north Londoners.

Ten Hag isn’t worried about his team’s form in front of goal. However, he admits they should have held on for a point if they weren’t able to secure all three.

He stated: “No, I don’t have concerns. It’s about keeping the focus and when we don’t lose the focus in the final and dying seconds of the game, we take the point. In the end, if you can’t win it because you can’t finish your chances, then don’t lose.”

United is still yet to confirm a place in the Premier League top four. If Liverpool beat Brentford on Saturday, they can narrow the gap to just one point, but United would still have two games in hand.

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