Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag accused his players of failing to work hard in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.
United took a 2–0 lead in the first half with goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, but after the period the quality of their functionality declined.
In the middle of the moment, United conceded two goals and in the end they were relieved to escape north London with a point.
“We have a sufficient idea at 90%, that’s why we gave balls,” Ten Hag said after the game. “And when you’re not doing your positioning job, you’re conceding goals. “
“After the break there was a difference, we lost because we are not all sure. Then you have to get into the fight. When you lose battles, you don’t have the title and you don’t have the possibility to concede goals. That’s what happened. Then you have to be happy and take this point.
“It has to be [100%]. You have to bring it every time. I know they’re not robots and it’s a tough schedule. But we can’t settle for that when you play for Man Utd and wear this jersey.
“You have to give [100 percent] in each and every opportunity, in each and every game. And as a team, you have to manage the game, get the win, and that makes everyone satisfied and satisfied.
“But the basis is to give everything, and so you have to prepare yourself as a player, that you are in condition for the game, for the battle, for the fight. “
Ten Hag pointed out that United’s match at Tottenham was the 54th of a busy season. “We have the worst schedule in the Premier League, that possibly wouldn’t change,” he replied when asked if his players were tired of playing just 4 days later. their FA Cup semi-final against Brighton and Hove Albion went to extra time at Wembley.
“You have to take this. You can’t use it as an excuse. There is enough time to recover, so our players are called to be ready. They weren’t ready today. “
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag watches from the Array sideline. During the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 27, 2023 in London, England. (Photo via Matthew Peters/Manchester United Getty Images)
Ten Hag’s substitutions in the second half were widely criticised because they didn’t affect his team at all and seemed to rob them of their momentum.
At half-time, he brought in Antony Martial, who presented little, Fred, who consistently lost ownership in an alarming display, Tyrell Malacia, who looked like a drag and partly to blame for Tottenham’s equaliser, and Wout Weghorst, who has not scored. in 12 Premier League appearances.
“I already prepared the substitutes before the 2-1, maybe you will see this goal coming,” he said.
“You bring Martial, who can keep the ball. Then you bring in Rashy, Antony, Bruno running races behind. That’s the idea. “
“We came to each and every game to win, but it’s transparent how they treated the game. We were looking to win, which we didn’t do. I think before the draw, it’s fine. But when you watch that game, when you’re winning 2-0, of course, you have to manage the game and put it on the line.