Siddharth Juyal
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson tells Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to “learn how to shut up shop”
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson blasted Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for failing to secure the two-goal lead. United drew 3-3 against Galatasaray in the Champions League fixture despite having a two-goal lead twice in the game.
The Red Devils scored two early goals in the game, courtesy of Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes, within 20 minutes. A mistake from Andre Onana from the free-kick of Hakim Ziyech brought the Turkish Club back before halftime.
Scott McTominay scored a clinical goal in the 55th minute of the game to reinstall the two-goal lead. Nevertheless, United conceded two goals as Galatasaray earned a point in a game where they looked the second-best.
Merson wrote on Sportskeeda (h/t Metro) that Ten Hag needs to do better tactically to defend a comfortable lead. He said:
“Manchester United keep throwing away their leads. Against Galatasaray, with the score 3-1, it was like a basketball match. It was so open. Erik ten Hag has got to understand that he is not managing Ajax anymore. He needs to learn how to shut up shop. You don’t have to entertain all the time. Sometimes, you have to take the pragmatic route.”
Ten Hag opted to make a like-for-like change in midfield by taking off Sofyan Amrabat for Kobbie Mainoo. The Dutchman kept the rigid 4-2-4 formation in place with United captain Bruno Fernandes dropping deep from the advance position.
United left a lot of space open for the home team to exploit despite having a two-goal cushion. The Red Devils failed to finish multiple chances and built on their goal tally as Galatasaray kept probing in return.
Ten Hag had the likes of Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon on the bench but he opted against using them. Varane played a pivotal role in the Dutchman’s defence last season that helped United keep the most clean sheets in the Premier League last season.
More Manchester United News-
- Report: Manchester United prepared to replace two summer signings including Sofyan Amrabat
- “It is not about individuals”- Erik ten Hag doesn’t blame Andre Onana after Manchester United’s draw against Galatasaray
- “I’m very pleased”- Erik ten Hag happy with Manchester United’s performance after draw vs Galatasaray
One could only speculate what could’ve happened if Ten Hag opted to use more caution after the two-goal lead. As things stand, the Red Devils need to win their last Champions League Group A game against Bayern Munich. Furthermore, FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray need to play a draw for United to qualify for the knockout stages.
