After the 3-1 defeat in the Derby, here’s what Ten Hag said about the match
Manchester United Coach Reacts to a 3-1 City Loss
Erik ten Hag, the Manchester United coach, spoke to the press after his team’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City. Despite the loss, Ten Hag remained positive about his team’s performance and their Champions League aspirations.
Key Points:
- Fifth place and Champions League: Ten Hag acknowledged that fifth place could still secure Champions League qualification and emphasized that the team will “fight for it.”
“Number five [the fifth position in the league] can also be a position for the Champions League, so we have to fight for it.“
- Competitive spirit: He rejected the notion of a significant gap between the two teams, citing injuries and missed opportunities as factors in the loss. He believes a fully fit United remains competitive.
“I don’t think so, absolutely not. We have many problems with injuries, & still we had an opportunity. With a really small margin we could have scored a second. When we have everyone on board, we can be competitive.“
- Looking ahead: Ten Hag emphasized the team’s progress and the potential for quick turnarounds, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the league.
“This year on, we are really progressing, and you have to get some points back. Everyone can beat everyone, and things can quickly turn around.”
- Positive performance: He viewed the team’s performance as overall good, praising their early goal and defensive efforts. He pointed to “small margins” and “two defining moments” that ultimately led to the defeat.
“I think we were really close to winning or getting a draw here.“
“We defended very well, and there were two defining moments when we nearly made a breakthrough and conceded the first goal.”
- Tactics and injuries: Ten Hag explained the game plan, focusing on exploiting City’s defense with speed and closing down the midfield. He also revealed that Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans played with injuries.
“Getting behind the defending line with the speed of Alejandro Garnacho, already after a couple of minutes there was some good breakthrough, and then quickly after it was a good goal from Marcus Rashford.“
“We closed the middle very good and the box very good. We stuck to the plan, and we had the moment of the reckless action of the goalkeeper of City, and after that attack, we conceded the goal.“
Erik ten Hag mentioned that Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans showed great determination by playing through injuries in today’s match.
- Referee decisions: While acknowledging minimal contact, he commented on the potential foul on Rashford that led to City’s equalizing goal.
“I looked back and asked Rashy [Rashford] if there was contact—maybe soft, but there was contact.“
- Overall sentiment: Ten Hag remained optimistic about the team’s chances, reiterating their capability of securing a Champions League spot and the need to win the remaining games.
“We have to accept it, and still were had the opportunity to at least get one point, but the win was also possible.”
“I think it was a good performance overall; we went 1-0 up, and we had our moments after it to score the second one.
“We defended very well, and there were two defining moments when we nearly made a breakthrough and conceded the first goal.”
Erik ten Hag on top four ambitions: “It can be a quick turnaround. We have to try and get closer to them. We have to win our games.“
Bruno Fernandes, the United captain, also spoke about the loss, emphasizing the importance of winning games and the club’s high standards. He acknowledged the challenge but remains focused on the team’s efforts in securing Champions League qualification.
“Every time you don’t win a game, it is a damage at this club.
“We know what this club demands, and we want to win the games we are involved in.
“We didn’t get the three points today, but there’s still a long way to go.
“We know it’s not everything in our hands because other teams have to lose points, but we have to do our job.“
