In the aftermath of yet another disappointing European outing, Erik ten Hag is calling for Manchester United supporters to remain patient with the team.
Despite taking a promising 2-0 lead, the match ended in a frustrating draw, leaving fans bewildered as they witnessed the squad surrender yet another advantage on the European stage.
A Tough European Run
Under Ten Hag’s management, United has managed to win only one of their last ten European matches.
The team had a strong start against Porto, scoring two goals in the first half.
However, their inability to maintain that momentum led to confusion and disappointment as Porto capitalized on defensive lapses to equalize.
Ten Hag lamented the ‘unnecessary’ goals conceded, acknowledging that the team needs to learn from these mistakes.
He expressed hope for the future, especially after Harry Maguire’s late equalizer salvaged a point for United in this Europa League clash.
Focus on the Bigger Picture
“I don’t judge us in this moment. I judge us at the end of the season,” Ten Hag stated, emphasizing the ongoing development process within the team.
“We have to continue to work and fight.”
His strategy included rotating players, which led to the surprising decision to substitute Marcus Rashford at halftime, despite him contributing a goal and an assist.
Ten Hag pointed out that while United scored two excellent goals, they also allowed their concentration to slip, leading to avoidable goals against them.
Addressing Defensive Issues
In his post-match comments, Ten Hag acknowledged the team’s defensive shortcomings.
“We switched off and didn’t maintain possession as we should have,” he noted, reflecting on how Porto’s first goal ignited the home crowd and intensified the match atmosphere.
Despite these setbacks, he commended the team for their resilience in fighting back to earn a draw.
Maguire Reflects on Mental Challenges
Harry Maguire, who scored the crucial equalizer, shared his thoughts on the team’s mental state during these matches.
He suggested that the issues run deeper than just tactics, hinting at a psychological barrier that the players face when conceding goals in Europe.
“It’s more of a mental issue, I think, it’s about belief,” Maguire explained.
“We need to ensure that when we concede, we stick together and regroup.”
He also spoke about the manager’s experience in dealing with such challenges, emphasizing the importance of maintaining faith in the team and the coaching staff.
Looking Ahead
As Manchester United navigates this rocky stretch, Ten Hag’s call for patience and perseverance resonates.
With the right adjustments and continued determination, fans hope to see their team overcome these hurdles and regain their winning form in upcoming matches.
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