Erik ten Hag has given a surprisingly positive verdict following Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham United at the London Stadium.
A Jarrod Bowen goal and a Mohammed Kudus finish, after a mistake from Kobbie Mainoo, won West Ham United the game against Manchester United and the Hammers were fully deserving of their victory in the capital.
Erik ten Hag looked furious at times for the Red Devils as they were so toothless in attack despite having periods of the game where they had consistent possession in and around the West Ham penalty area.
However, despite the dominance in possession, it was Alejandro Garnacho’s first-half effort which was saved by Alphonse Areola that was the Red Devils’ best chance of the game.
Ten Hag on defeat
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, following the defeat in the capital, the Dutchman seemed pleased with the team’s performance despite the manner in which they collapsed in the second half.
“We were in total control in and out of possession. We gave them nothing until the 72’ minute when we switched off,” the Dutchman said. “It was a solid performance but we didn’t score.
“There are reasons for it (the poor run of form), we have many injuries, so the team will be better if the injured ones return. We have to be calm, stick together, stick to the plan, we have to do it together.”
The injury excuse is beginning to become a bit tiresome because the Dutchman is right but the reality for the 53-year-old is that Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Casemiro are really the only players who could come back into the team.
United’s issues
Despite the injury list, the Red Devils are just not creating enough chances to score goals and look so porous defensively too.
Willy Kambwala made his debut for United and Mainoo, despite the mistake that led to the second goal, once again looked composed on the ball for the Red Devils.
It says a lot about the current state of affairs that the two academy graduates were the club’s best players at the London Stadium. Things need to change and fast.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/JIWKcan