Erik ten Hag urged his critics to guage Manchester United on the finish of the season and pointed to their last-gasp draw at Porto tonight as proof his gamers have a “robust spirit”.
Targets from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund put United within the driving seat on the Estadio do Dragao however acquainted defensive frailties have been once more in proof as Pepe introduced Porto again into the sport earlier than a brace from the vastly spectacular Samu Omorodion noticed the hosts lead 3-2.
On a chaotic night, captain Bruno Fernandes was sent-off for the second time in 4 days – though his purple card in opposition to Tottenham on the weekend was later rescinded on attraction – earlier than substitute Harry Maguire headed in a nook late on to offer United some extent.
Ten Hag advised TNT Sports activities: “We began the sport excellent, we dominated, scored two targets then we misplaced management. The beginning was good, the center was not good then we completed excellent. It’s a troublesome place to go, we’re getting back from 3-2 and get the equaliser. The staff has a robust character, however the center half we’ve got to enhance.
“We have to be higher on the ball, hold switching. We had good gamers, plan. Now we have to defend higher. We had three clear sheets not a very long time in the past so we will defend excellent, however we’ve got to return to these habits.”
“Don’t decide us on this second, wait till the tip of the season. We’re in a course of.”
Erik ten Hag has full perception in his squad shifting ahead 💪
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— Soccer on TNT Sports activities (@footballontnt) October 3, 2024
Ten Hag requests extra time
This week was billed as make-or-break for Ten Hag with tonight’s sport adopted by an equally difficult-looking journey to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Maguire might have given him some respiration area however the Dutchman insists now is just not the time to attract conclusions.
He added: “We are going to get there. Don’t decide us on this second, decide us on the finish of the season. We’re within the course of, we’ll enhance. Now we have had two seasons the place we’ve got reached finals, we’ll proceed and combat.
“You see the spirit and the connection between the workers and the staff. The gamers are collectively, they’ve a robust spirit and so they wish to obtain. Now we have mentality however in some defending components we’ve got to step up.”
Rashford was taken off at half-time after a superb 45 minutes when he appeared again to his harmful finest.
It was assumed he had sustained an harm however Ten Hag defined he was merely attempting to maintain the ahead recent for the weekend.
“Now we have to rotate. Garnacho, we didn’t begin him, however he had an important sport not solely Sunday however the entire season. We go rapidly with a turnaround to Villa and so they have had a day longer to recuperate and we’ve got an away sport.”
Erik ten Hag confirms that Marcus Rashford was substituted at half-time on account of ‘rotation’ and never an harm fear.
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— Soccer on TNT Sports activities (@footballontnt) October 3, 2024
Maguire admits United’s defence must step up
Objective hero Maguire admitted United’s defensive weaknesses needed to be addressed.
He advised TNT Sports activities: “If you get 2-0 up away from residence it’s important to be just a little bit extra stable and there have been far too many gaps. Too many crosses have been coming into the field for positive and so they in the end punished us for it.
“It’s one thing we have to concentrate on, it’s occurring far too many instances. Each time you concede it’s important to reset and return to the sport plan which bought us within the lead. It’s one thing we have to enhance. If we wish to achieve success this season we will’t hold conceding two targets.”
Maguire is aware of what it’s prefer to be criticised for his performances however the defender, who was at the moment not noted of the England squad, stated it was all a part of enjoying for a membership like United.
He added: “I’ve performed for this membership for six years, I understand how it really works. If you go on a foul spell gamers come below stress and in addition the supervisor does. He’s skilled sufficient and been at this membership lengthy sufficient so I’m positive he is aware of the best way to take care of it.
“It’s a part of the privilege you have got enjoying for this membership.”
