Erik ten Hag urged his critics to judge Manchester United on the finish of the season and pointed to their last-gasp draw at Porto tonight as proof his gamers have a “sturdy spirit”.
Objectives from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund put United within the driving seat on the Estadio do Dragao however acquainted defensive frailties had been once more in proof as Pepe introduced Porto again into the sport earlier than a brace from the massively 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was sent-off for the second time in 4 days – though his crimson card towards Tottenham on the weekend was later rescinded on attraction – earlier than substitute Harry Maguire headed in a nook late on to provide United some extent.
Ten Hag informed TNT Sports activities: “We began the sport excellent, we dominated, scored two objectives 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 crew has a powerful 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. We’ve 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 choose us on this second, wait till the top of the season. We’re in a course of.”
Erik ten Hag has full perception in his squad transferring 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 recreation adopted by an equally difficult-looking journey to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Maguire could have given him some respiration area however the Dutchman insists now will not be the time to attract conclusions.
He added: “We are going to get there. Don’t choose us on this second, choose us on the finish of the season. We’re within the course of, we’ll enhance. We’ve 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 crew. The gamers are collectively, they’ve a powerful spirit and so they wish to obtain. We’ve 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 seemed again to his harmful greatest.
It was assumed he had sustained an damage however Ten Hag defined he was merely attempting to maintain the ahead contemporary for the weekend.
“We’ve to rotate. Garnacho, we didn’t begin him, however he had an ideal recreation 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 recreation.”
Erik ten Hag confirms that Marcus Rashford was substituted at half-time as a result of ‘rotation’ and never an damage 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 informed TNT Sports activities: “Whenever you get 2-0 up away from residence you need to be a bit bit extra stable and there have been far too many gaps. Too many crosses had been coming into the field for certain and so they in the end punished us for it.
“It’s one thing we have to concentrate on, it’s taking place far too many instances. Each time you concede you need to reset and return to the sport plan which acquired 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 objectives.”
Maguire is aware of what it’s prefer to be criticised for his performances however the defender, who was immediately neglected 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. Whenever you go on a nasty spell gamers come below stress and likewise the supervisor does. He’s skilled sufficient and been at this membership lengthy sufficient so I’m certain he is aware of tips on how to take care of it.
“It’s a part of the privilege you’ve got enjoying for this membership.”
