Ten Hag: Man City defeat is one of my worst days at Man Utd،
Erik ten Hag says Manchester United’s heavy derby defeat to Manchester City was one of his worst days as manager at Old Trafford.
City cruised to a 3-0 victory on Sunday thanks to two goals from Erling Haaland, including a first-half penalty, and another from Phil Foden.
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Ten Hag has had a dismal record as United manager, but asked whether the latest defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side made it one of his worst days in the job, he replied: ” Yes.
He added: “Of course it’s disappointing, but last year we had many highlights. When you lose a derby the way we lose, it’s disappointing.
“In the first half we had a very good game plan and the execution was also very good. First it was one-on-one and it was very similar, but then the penalty changed the moment. Then , in the second half we chose to become more offensive and it was 2-0 too quickly. From that moment on it was a difficult match.”
United have now lost five of their opening 10 league matches for the first time since 1986 and sit eighth in the Premier League table, already 11 points behind leaders Tottenham.
That now makes it seven defeats in 14 games in all competitions this season, but Ten Hag said he was confident his side were progressing.
“We have won the previous three games and the atmosphere is very good,” said Ten Hag. “I think we are on the right track. The beginning was difficult, but now we are on the right track. When the injuries return, we will become stronger. We have to be patient but I am happy with the return of some injuries, then our team will be stronger.”
Afterward, Ten Hag said he stood by his decision to leave Raphaël Varane and Sergio Reguilón on the bench in favor of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf, while defending his decision to replace striker Rasmus Højlund midway through the second period after the replacement was greeted with noise. Boos from United fans at Old Trafford.
“I have to protect Rasmus Højlund and I have to protect the team,” added Ten Hag.
“He puts so much effort into pressuring, making transitions, going long distances, fighting tough opposition.
He’s not used to it, three games a week, so I have to protect him and the team to bring some energy. We have bench players, Mason Mount and [Alejandro] Garnacho, we know he can be a game-changer.”
