Erik ten Hag slams ‚complacent‘ Man Utd after Twente draw
Erik ten Hag has lashed out at Manchester United’s effort levels after the Red Devils‘ slumped to a 1-1 draw with FC Twente in their Europa League opener.
Christian Eriksen’s stunning strike put United ahead in the first half but the Dane was caught in possession after the break, allowing Sam Lammers to thunder home an equaliser and earn a share of the spoils for Ten Hag’s former employers.
After the game, Ten Hag accused United of being „too easy going“ and „too complacent“ as he criticised his side’s performance.
„It was the game of their life, they fought for every yard and we didn’t,“ he said. „99% is not enough, you have to give 100%, you have to kill the game and finish it off. We are leading 1-0 but you have to go for the second goal, then you kill the game.
„We have to be more clinical in such situations. I don’t think tonight was the only problem. We have to keep going, being consistent, that is also a question of mentality. Mentality is very good from this team. I saw how in many games how high our work rate is, but today I have some criticism.
„But it is not only the team, I have to look in the mirror as well. I am part of it.“
Eriksen went on to reveal that the United squad admitted they had not been able to match Twente’s desire.
„We wanted more, but in the end, it was far from good enough and we said in the changing room that it looked like they wanted it more and that can’t be right,“ the midfielder said.
„I think personally, you score a goal and think you’re a matchwinner, but obviously it’s gone the other way. Everyone is looking at themselves. Everyone is a professional footballer.
„They know what to do, what can’t happen and in a game like today, we didn’t lose but it felt like a loss and against FC Twente at home, that can’t happen.“