Man United lacked ‘passion’ and ‘fight’ vs. Brentford – Ten Hag

Manchester United lacked “passion” and “fight” in their 1-1 draw against Brentford, according to manager Erik ten Hag.

United were dominated for most of the match at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday and had the chance to take the lead in the 96th minute through substitute Mason Mount.

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Brentford, however, scored a deserved equalizer through Kristoffer Ajer in the 99th minute and Ten Hag later admitted their side had not been good enough.

“We showed resilience throughout the game, but in terms of aggression Brentford were better,” Ten Hag said.

“We should show more passion and desire at many moments of the game. But when you win [so late on] you should get him over the line.

“We didn't play well but there was spirit, there was fight, but not enough.”

The result damaged United's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League, particularly after Aston Villa and Tottenham, fourth and fifth in the table respectively, both won their matches earlier in the day.

“There are still many matches to play, but of course the points will be more expensive in the end,” Ten Hag said.

“There should have been three, but now there is only one and in the end we will know how it can go, but it can be an important point in the end.”

United next face Chelsea and Liverpool and despite Brentford's 31 shots, Ten Hag dismissed the suggestion his side were too open at the back.

United have now conceded 20 or more shots in nine of their last 11 games.

“I explained it, we sometimes defended low and because Brentford are very direct, we lost a lot of second balls and we had to defend the box,” Ten Hag said. “We had an excellent goalkeeper [André Onana]he was great tonight, it must be said too.

“Our results have been pretty consistent since January. We concede shots, but we don't concede as many goals.”