Anshuman Joshi
Erik ten Hag blames individual errors for Man United’s defeat against Chelsea
Erik ten Hag believes that Man United were the more dominant side despite losing 4-3 to Chelsea on Thursday.
United went 2-0 down to the Blues at Stamford Bridge inside the first 20 minutes before completing a comeback in the second half. However, they conceded two late stoppage-time goals to lose the game 4-3. Cole Palmer yet again turned out to be Chelsea’s saviour with two late goals to complete his hat trick.
In an interview with BBC Sport after the game, the Dutchman insisted he enjoyed his side’s performance on the night.
He also admitted that the recent results were not good enough for a side looking to play Champions League football.
“Manchester United dominated the game but we made individual errors that cost us the game.
“We have to learn from it. When you are a Man Utd player you should already know how to deal with this circumstance.
“I enjoyed how my team were playing, it was fantastic. We dominated the ball, we dominated the opponent.
“In five days we dropped five points. That is unacceptable. We should have a high standard if we want to compete for Champions League football.”
Ten Hag speaking to BBC Sport after Chelsea 4-3 Man United
Up next, United face Liverpool at home in the Premier League on Sunday. They also hosted the Reds at Old Trafford last month for an FA Cup quarter-final tie, which they won 4-3.
United were more dominant against Chelsea in two areas
If Ten Hag genuinely believes United were more dominant on the day, he’s not entirely wrong. FotMob’s numbers show the Red Devils beat the Blues in conceding more shots on goal (28 compared to 19) while also having committed more fouls (15 compared to 7).
United’s turnaround after going 2-0 down was exhilarating, but it does not exonerate them from conceding twice both early in the game and then very, very late. Simply put, Chelsea were the better team on the day.
More Manchester United News-
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- Manchester United boss reveals why he felt ‘sorry’ for Mason Mount in Brentford draw
United’s performances this season have not been warranting of Champions League football for next season. They’re unlikely to get it, as things currently stand, though their fans wouldn’t want them to go down without a fight.
