Aheed Abrar
Erik ten Hag blasts “unacceptable” Manchester United performance against Leeds United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has blasted the Red Devils’ “unacceptable” performance against Leeds United in the 2-2 draw.
The Peacocks visited Old Trafford on Wednesday (8 February) in the Premier League. We went two goals down, with the Elland Road side scoring at the start of each half, but managed to salvage a point in the end.
Speaking to club media, Ten Hag expressed disappointment with Man United’s display. The gaffer felt the team were not up to the task for most of the match.
“Very poor. It’s unacceptable. You start any game, but especially a derby, the way we did. We were down and had to fight back. We made big mistakes. That’s to do with attitude. We were not ready to go into the duels. We lose the duels and the formation was also bad at the start.”
Wilfried Gnonto broke the deadlock in the opening seconds of the match after Bruno Fernandes was dispossessed in the middle of the park. The Italian youngster’s striker beat David de Gea convincingly.
Subsequently, the Old Trafford side had a few opportunities. Alejandro Garancho had a decent chance to equalise with Illan Meslier off his line. However, the defenders got in his way.
We went into the break with a one-goal deficit. However, Leeds soon doubled their advantage at the start of the second half. Crysencio Summerville’s strike took a big deflection from Raphael Varane, who was credited with the own goal.
Thankfully, Marcus Rashford, who is in red-hot form this season, was on hand to open Man United’s account at around the hour mark. The 25-year-old rose over the West Yorkshire-based club’s defenders to score a header.
Then, in the 70th minute, Jadon Sancho, who came on as a substitute in the second half, found the back of the net for the equaliser. The 22-year-old has looked lively since his return after a long absence.
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The two goals we conceded at the start indicate a lack of concentration. Hopefully, our players will be up to the task from the get-go on Sunday against Leeds at Elland Road.
