Erik ten Hag has delivered his post-match verdict after his side’s winless run in the Premier League was extended, with the Reds not recording a three-pointer since the 2-0 win over Everton last month.
United’s three-game winless streak has, unfortunately, almost certainly confirmed that Champions League qualification is a task too far this season, with the FA Cup remaining the last hope of a good ending to a wretched season.
United’s results have been inconsistent but against Liverpool, they have not been beaten in three attempts and the latest affair between the two rivals was the scene of yet another dramatic theatre.
United conceded the first goal but as they did three days ago at Chelsea, a turnaround followed through goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
Unfortunately, United conceded yet another late penalty and were denied all three points. Speaking after the game, Ten Hag explained why he has ‘mixed emotions’.
“Very mixed emotions,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying by the BBC.
“On one side I am disappointed that we have dropped seven points in one week after being in winning positions, but we have to blame ourselves for making stupid mistakes.
“On the other side I am very proud. You see how we are improving and the potential of this squad is amazing – I am proud.
“In decisive areas we were losing battles especially with young players we were not confident to win them [duels]. We encouraged in the second half to do better and they stepped up.”
With seven games remaining of the season, United sit 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. A fifth-placed finish could also be enough for seat at Europe’s fine dining table next season.
United now face a trip to the south coast to face Bournemouth, with Ten Hag hoping to have a number of players back for that game.
Fantastic! Is this where our ambitions now lie? Putting a dent in Liverpool’s title hopes? Well, woopee doo. In fact, YET ANOTHER match we should have lost, and would have lost against a more clinical team. Totally dominated in the first half, and no praise to United that we weren’t out of it by half-time.
ETH has got to go. I know there’s United fans who want him to stay: well, yeah, and so do the fans of every other Club.
Think about that.
It’s abundantly clear ETH doesn’t know how to set up a team, just look at the shots-against we concede. Doesn’t matter who we sign in the summer, things won’t change as long as Ten Hag’s management doesn’t extend beyond deciding the starting 11 each match.
Oh aye, he can, and does, tell us AFTERWARDS what went wrong, what should have happened. But the players don’t seem to know in advance what to do and, for me, that should spell the end for Ten Hag.
Sure, I wanted him to succeed: Hell, I’d want John mucking Terry to succeed were he our Manager ( god forbid!)
But we really, no: really, should by now have an established way of playing – other than allow 30+ plus shots against us and hope opposition strikers have an off day.