Erik ten Hag Sparks Controversy with Explanation for Man Utd’s Loss to Nottingham Forest
Erik ten Hag Sparks Controversy with Explanation for Man Utd’s Loss to Nottingham Forest
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has offered a controversial excuse for his team’s lack of consistency, attributing it to off-field issues such as injuries, public disputes, and the ongoing INEOS takeover uncertainty.
Following a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, Ten Hag downplayed his responsibility for the team’s performance, emphasizing the challenges posed by numerous issues.
Ten Hag highlighted the impact of injuries on the squad and suggested that no team could cope with the extent of problems they’ve faced.
He mentioned the hope that many players would return in the new year to strengthen the team.
Despite acknowledging the reasons for their struggles, he admitted that the team should have performed better given the squad’s depth.
The manager pointed out the absence of several key players, including Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial, due to illness.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn the Forest game, Marcus Rashford started in attack and scored an equalizer, but defensive lapses led to a late winner for the opposition.
Reflecting on the loss, Ten Hag expressed disappointment, stating that the result was clear and unnecessary.
He criticized the team’s lack of energy and investment in the first half, emphasizing the need for better performances to meet their standards.
Despite acknowledging improvements in the second half, Ten Hag identified the first-half shortcomings as a crucial factor in the defeat.
Ten Hag claimed in his post-game reaction: “The loss was unnecessary. We lost it in the first half. We weren’t energised enough or invested enough.”
“We have to make our performances consistent and have to do better. A game is 90 minutes and we have to invest from the first minute on.
“We are hopeful that many players will be back in the new year and they will strengthen the team and the squad.”
Erik ten Hag Sparks Controversy with Explanation for Man Utd’s Loss to Nottingham Forest
