In response to Jamie Carragher’s criticism, Erik ten Hag stated that the former Liverpool defender’s evaluation of Manchester United is ‘very subjective’.
During Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Carragher questioned Ten Hag’s midfield balance and his over aggressive approach to pressing and committing men in offensive areas, pointing out a number of tactical shortcomings in his strategy.
The former defender also criticised the manager’s instructions to the players, saying United lack any sort of rhythm of play.
However, Ten Hag retaliated against Carragher during today’s press conference, implying that he had long-standing biases.
“Some analytics are very objective in their comments and [offer] very good advice and some are very subjective,” the Dutchman said ahead of United’s FA Cup clash against Nottingham Forest, as quoted by Manchester World.
“Jamie Carragher is one of them. From the first moment he criticises and now he wants to make his point.
“Probably, in the first half an hour he had a point where Fulham, in their midfield set-up there were a few surprises, we have to find the solutions. After half an hour we found the solutions.
“I was not pleased with the performance in defending, especially in the left side, how we did the pressing. They came in the first half and hour several times, that can’t happen. That has to do with willingness and spirit and passion.
“In previous weeks that was very good from this team and we won football games. I know footballers are not robots and they have bad days, but it can’t be that it is unacceptable and we have to be better tomorrow, but in the weeks before we have done very well.”
It will be interesting to see how Carragher responds to the comments made by ten Hag.
United and ten Hag will have the opportunity to rectify their mistakes from the previous match when they face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.
This is a competition that the Red Devils should take seriously as it is the only chance to win a trophy this season.
There is no better way to answer your critics on the pitch and ten Hag will be hoping to prove Carragher wrong with his team’s performances in the upcoming matches.
