Erik ten Hag urged his critics to guage Manchester United on the finish of the season and pointed to their last-gasp draw at Porto tonight as proof his gamers have a “robust spirit”.
Objectives from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund put United within the driving seat on the Estadio do Dragao however acquainted defensive frailties have been once more in proof as Pepe introduced Porto again into the sport earlier than a brace from the massively spectacular Samu Omorodion noticed the hosts lead 3-2.
On a chaotic night, captain Bruno Fernandes was sent-off for the second time in 4 days – though his pink card towards Tottenham on the weekend was later rescinded on attraction – earlier than substitute Harry Maguire headed in a nook late on to provide United a degree.
Ten Hag advised TNT Sports activities: “We began the sport excellent, we dominated, scored two objectives then we misplaced management. The beginning was good, the center was not good then we completed excellent. It’s a troublesome place to go, we’re getting back from 3-2 and get the equaliser. The group has a powerful character, however the center half we have now to enhance.
“We have to be higher on the ball, hold switching. We had good gamers, a superb plan. We’ve to defend higher. We had three clear sheets not a very long time in the past so we are able to defend excellent, however we have now to return to these habits.”
“Don’t choose us on this second, wait till the tip of the season. We’re in a course of.”
Erik ten Hag has full perception in his squad shifting ahead 💪
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— Soccer on TNT Sports activities (@footballontnt) October 3, 2024
Ten Hag requests extra time
This week was billed as make-or-break for Ten Hag with tonight’s recreation adopted by an equally difficult-looking journey to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Maguire could have given him some respiratory house however the Dutchman insists now shouldn’t be the time to attract conclusions.
He added: “We’ll get there. Don’t choose us on this second, choose us on the finish of the season. We’re within the course of, we are going to enhance. We’ve had two seasons the place we have now reached finals, we are going to proceed and combat.
“You see the spirit and the connection between the employees and the group. The gamers are collectively, they’ve a powerful spirit they usually need to obtain. We’ve a superb mentality however in some defending components we have now to step up.”
Rashford was taken off at half-time after a superb 45 minutes when he seemed again to his harmful greatest.
It was assumed he had sustained an damage however Ten Hag defined he was merely attempting to maintain the ahead contemporary for the weekend.
“We’ve to rotate. Garnacho, we didn’t begin him, however he had an important recreation not solely Sunday however the entire season. We go shortly with a turnaround to Villa they usually have had a day longer to get better and we have now an away recreation.”
Erik ten Hag confirms that Marcus Rashford was substituted at half-time resulting from ‘rotation’ and never an damage fear.
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— Soccer on TNT Sports activities (@footballontnt) October 3, 2024
Maguire admits United’s defence must step up
Objective hero Maguire admitted United’s defensive weaknesses needed to be addressed.
He advised TNT Sports activities: “Whenever you get 2-0 up away from residence it’s important to be slightly bit extra stable and there have been far too many gaps. Too many crosses have been coming into the field for certain they usually in the end punished us for it.
“It’s one thing we have to concentrate on, it’s occurring far too many instances. Each time you concede it’s important to reset and return to the sport plan which bought us within the lead. It’s one thing we have to enhance. If we need to achieve success this season we are able to’t hold conceding two objectives.”
Maguire is aware of what it’s wish to be criticised for his performances however the defender, who was at the moment omitted of the England squad, stated it was all a part of enjoying for a membership like United.
He added: “I’ve performed for this membership for six years, I understand how it really works. Whenever you go on a nasty spell gamers come underneath stress and likewise the supervisor does. He’s skilled sufficient and been at this membership lengthy sufficient so I’m certain he is aware of the way to take care of it.
“It’s a part of the privilege you will have enjoying for this membership.”
