Pranav Nair
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag rues missing out on automatic qualification for the Europa League last 16
According to The Metro, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has opened up on his side missing out on direct qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League.
The Red Devils defeated Real Sociedad 1-0 at the Reale Arena but it was not enough to displace the Spaniards from top spot in Group E. Instead they had to settle for second spot and face an extra hurdle before potentially moving into the last 16.
Erik ten Hag’s side went into the game knowing that they had to win by two clear goals to secure the top spot. Unfortunately Alejandro Garnacho’s first-half strike proved to be the winner but ultimately wasn’t enough to swing the tide in our favour.
One cannot fault the visitors for trying as they they bodies upfront in order to force the result. Ten Hag even chucked in Harry Maguire off the bench to act as a centre forward in the dying minutes. Unfortunately, it was not to be.
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag was vocal about his disappointment at not being able to pull off the desired result. He pointed to the decisions that did not go in Man United’s favour on their opening day defeat to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford. Clearly, the smallest of margins make a telling difference in European competitions.
“You don’t always get what you deserve, that’s football. First game, you get a penalty that isn’t a penalty but today we win so I’m happy with that,’ said United boss Ten Hag.”
Man United on a slippery slope?
Teams finishing in second spot in the Europa League groups have to undergo a playoff against the eight third best sides from the Champions League to ensure progress to the last 16 of Europe’s second tier competition.
Having missed out on direct qualification is a concern as it does not just pit us against a formidable opponent but also adds to our busy schedule. The teams Man United can now draw are Juventus, Ajax Amsterdam, Bayer Leverkusen, Barcelona, Sporting CP, RB Salzburg, Shakhtar Donetsk and Sevilla.
Drawing any of the aforementioned eight teams will be a significantly more difficult test than anything we have faced this season in the Europa League. While the likes of Ajax and Shakhtar are on paper easier opponents, there are no free lunches at this stage of the tournament.
More Manchester United News
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It is good to see Ten Hag air his frustrations despite the win. The Dutchman appears to know that nothing but the best is acceptable at Old Trafford and is continuously aiming for the top. This should hold us in good stead moving forward.
