Erik ten Hag has faced criticism following an incident involving one of his Manchester United players during their recent 1-1 draw against FC Twente in the Europa League. The match, held on Wednesday, marked the start of United’s European campaign, but the result fell short of expectations as they failed to secure a victory at Old Trafford.
Christian Eriksen initially gave Manchester United the lead, but a costly mistake led to Twente’s Sam Lammers scoring the equalizer, leaving the match deadlocked. Despite dominating early on, United couldn’t maintain their momentum, and the introduction of fresh players didn’t bring the desired outcome. Ten Hag made several substitutions in an effort to regain control, bringing on Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Højlund, along with Alejandro Garnacho, hoping to shift the game in their favor.
However, Dutch football icon Ruud Gullit took issue with how Ten Hag interacted with Garnacho just before he entered the pitch. Gullit, known for his forthright opinions, expressed his disapproval of the manager’s approach in such moments. He remarked, “I saw Erik ten Hag talking to Garnacho constantly. In that situation, a player is probably thinking, ‘Dude, leave me alone.’” His comment suggests that players, particularly when entering a high-pressure game, might find too much managerial input overwhelming or distracting.
Garnacho replaced Amad Diallo in the 67th minute, but despite his energy and talent, he couldn’t provide the spark United needed to break the deadlock and secure all three points. The team’s failure to capitalize on their lead reflects a broader concern about United’s current form, which has seen them struggle to convert favorable positions into victories.
Gullit’s criticism extended beyond the Garnacho incident, as he also questioned the overall quality of Manchester United’s football during the game. He expressed his lack of surprise at the performance, implying that United’s lackluster displays have become a pattern. Gullit didn’t hesitate to point out the substantial investment the club has made under Ten Hag, asking, “How many millions did Erik ten Hag invest in his team again?” His remark suggests that despite the heavy spending on transfers, United has yet to consistently produce the kind of football expected of a top-tier European club.
Erik ten Hag Faces Backlash Following Disappointing Europa League Stalemate
This draw follows another disappointing result for Manchester United, making it two consecutive stalemates in all competitions. Erik ten Hag voiced his frustration at the team’s inability to maintain their level of play throughout the game, particularly in the second half. Speaking to TNT Sports, Ten Hag reflected on the missed opportunity, saying, “We kept them alive, 1-0 up, controlling the game – you have to be consistent and keep going. In the second half, we dropped the level [and] gave the goal away.” He acknowledged that United should have pushed for a second goal to secure the match, and that their failure to do so ultimately led to their punishment.
The manager’s remarks highlight the ongoing challenge of sustaining performance over 90 minutes, a concern that has haunted Manchester United in recent times. While they showed glimpses of control and dominance, lapses in concentration and execution allowed their opponents to remain in the game. As a result, United was forced to share the points, a frustrating outcome for a team with high ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
As Manchester United looks ahead, they will need to find ways to address these inconsistencies, both in their gameplay and mental approach. The pressure on Erik ten Hag to deliver results will only increase, especially given the significant financial investment the club has made in the squad. The challenge now is not only to win but to win convincingly, something that has eluded them in recent matches.
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