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Erik Ten Hag And Christian Eriksen Both admitted it was unacceptable that FC Twente showed more desire than Manchester United in Wednesday’s shocking performance Europa League Drag.
The new-format group stage began with the Red Devils taking on the club their manager had spent a total of 23 years with, three times as a player and then as a coach.
Ten Hag’s reunion got off to a promising start as Eriksen gave the hosts a first-half lead at Old Trafford.
But United lost their way after half-time and a mistake by veteran midfielder Sam Lammers ensured a 1-1 draw for the Eredivisie side.
Reflecting on the Europa League opener, goalscorer Eriksen told TNT Sports: “As a team we are disappointed. Obviously we wanted more, but in the end it wasn’t good enough.
“As was said in the changing room as well, I think it looked like they wanted it more than we did and that can’t be right.”
These comments were made to Ten Hag in the post-match press conference.
“Yeah, you saw that,” said the United boss. “Twente, it was the game of their lives and they fought for every yard. And, yeah, we didn’t do that – 99 per cent is not enough.
“You have to give your 100 per cent. You have to finish the game, you have to finish it.
“We take the game to the end, but you have to try for the second goal, otherwise you end up giving the game away.”
Ten Hag, when asked if the players should be prepared for such a game, said: “Of course, especially because we are very ambitious.”
He said, “When you have ambition, you have to perform, then you have to prove it.
“Today, especially in the second half, I think we were too comfortable and complacent.
“We couldn’t take it to the finish line and as a team you have to get it done.”
You have to give your 100 percent. You have to finish the game, you have to finish it.
Erik Ten Hag
Ten Hag lamented the lack of edge after the 0-0 draw on Saturday. Premier League The match with Crystal Palace was drawn and this time his team was successful in only one out of 18 attempts.
“That’s true and we have to work on it,” the United manager said. “That’s also clear.
“We have to be more cautious in such situations, but I don’t think this is the only problem,” he said.
“We have to continue performing well in the second half as well and maintain continuity in the team structure,” he said.
“It’s also a question of mentality, and get it over with, score another goal, and then the game is over.”
It is not the first time United’s mentality has been questioned since Ten Hag took charge in 2022 and he said: “Yes, I think often this team has a very good mentality.
“I’ve seen in many games how high our work rate is. It’s often very good but today, yes, I had to face some criticism.
“But it’s not just about the team, I have to look in the mirror as well. I’m part of it.
“We should have done things differently, especially I think in the second half, like I said, you have to finish the game off, especially when you know we have some problems scoring goals.
“If you have a goal, you need to be consistent with your game.”