Erik ten Hag slams Man Utd flops for ‘really poor’ defeat to Crystal Palace and addresses boos

Erik ten Hag slams Man Utd flops for ‘really poor’ defeat to Crystal Palace and addresses boos from the Old Trafford faithful.

Crystal Palace stunned the hosts, with Joachim Andersen’s first-half strike leaving Man Utd fans venting their frustration come full time.

The result means Manchester United have now lost four of their opening seven games of a Premier League season for the first time.

It comes after wins against Burnley and Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, but it seems they just can’t get a winning run of games in the league.

This leaves Man Utd sitting 10th with 9 points from 7 games, losing four of them, while Palace are 9th with 11 points from the same amount played.

Sky Sports’ Paul Merson, who reported on the game during Soccer Saturday, said: “I feel like when you’re watching Man Utd, it’s like watching Subbuteo. You blow the whistle to kick-off and at half-time, everyone is in exactly the same position as they were when they started the game. There’s no movement.

“When you manage big football clubs, you’re under pressure and you’re under more pressure when the neighbours win. If they [Man City] had won today, then it really cranks up… it’s a must for them to get into the top four this season.”

Player ratings (as per Sky Sports)

Man Utd: Onana (6), Dalot (5), Lindelof (5), Varane (6), Amrabat (5), Casemiro (6), Mount (6), Fernandes (6), Rashford (6), Hojlund (6), Pellistri (5)

Subs: Garnacho (6), Martial (N/A), Maguire (N/A, Eriksen (N/A), Van De Beek (N/A)

Crystal Palace: Johnstone (8), Ward (7), Guehi (8), Andersen (8), Mitchell (8), Doucoure (7), Hughes (7), Ayew (8), Eze (8), Schlupp (7), Mateta (7)

Subs: Richards (N/A), Riedewald (N/A)

Player of the match: Joachim Andersen

Ten Hag said: “I can’t blame the players, they gave everything. But in the final part in both boxes we didn’t do well. We had many chances but the decision making wasn’t good enough.

“We were in control but we have to be sharper, more clinical and determined if we want to score. I understand the boos. The demand is for United to win against Crystal Palace at home and away. We have to do better.

“Of course it’s frustrating. If you are there in the positions when you want to come, in that moment, the form on the day is not there to score a goal. We were, many times, close and then you have to be clinical, concentrated and be sharp. We have the abilities to score a goal.

“Always, we learn from the game. We learn we are to do better in the final part of the game. The first goal is very important, if you concede it, you still have to win. You have to find a way to win and we didn’t, so we have to blame ourselves.

“It’s a bad start. We have to catch up and do better. This is not good enough. Of course, it’s frustrating for everyone, especially the fans. It’s frustrating but for us, as well, the players and for me. We have to stay together, fight together and get better and make sure we get improvement.

“These players can do better in the final part [of the pitch].

“I’m very disappointed. If you concede three chances and one is in after bad defending. Our decisions on the ball were really poor. We often got into good positions but we were not clinical enough.

“The decision making was not good enough. The final pass, extra pass, shot or whatever…”

Palace boss Hodgson, 76, became only the second manager after Pep Guardiola to mastermind three successive wins against United at Old Trafford. He said: “I am happy about that record, but what I am most happy about is the way the team played and so pleased for the players.

“It wasn’t easy to come here for the second time in a few days and give that performance and work so hard for 90 minutes. This time we put their players under a lot more pressure and they were finding it harder to hit the passes.

“As a result, it was easier for our defenders to defend the box. The way the players went about the game today is really praise worthy and has given me enormous pleasure. They have to be so disciplined and so organised.

“Joachim Andersen is a wonderful technician. It was only a half chance. He had to quickly get his feet right and have the confidence to put his foot through the ball. I’m trying to push him forward for goal of the week!”

This is how Twitter users reacted as Erik ten Hag slams Man Utd flops for their ‘really poor’ defeat to Crystal Palace and addresses boos from fans…

@LuvFB_HateFifa: Utd needed to win all 5 games after the cup match to even have the chance to have a decent season. To lose the 1st one, at home, against Palace, is completely pathetic.

@RaysGoneTru: Marcus needs the bench. He DESERVES to be benched. Having hojlund in the team is exposing the weaknesses in his game. Its a shame tht wn AG starts he plays terribly. Can mejbril play as a LW?

@kick_in_grass: There are no excuses. That was Ten Hag’s first XI pretty much. Very worrying times. You can’t keep losing and expect to keep your job.

@WelshdragonPhil: Can you ask him why he continues to play Rashford? Garnacho did more in 30 mins

@UtdSukeve: All talk no action, nothing changes nothing improves

@Brett75460845: Do better! Drop Rash & Bruno for a more cohesive team. Bruno disappears & Rashford is last & selfish. We need hard working fighters in the pitch for 90+mins

@andrewriggers: Guy on 606 said ETH is being set up to fail like the previous sacrificial lambs since SAF. He said “the club is shattered from top to bottom.” You know what – that absolutely says it all

@danmufc11: Sack him

@brooky2998: I can give you a reason, them young lads played well on tues then he decides to fuck about with the team.

@benny_62: I’m still with EtH otherwise we’re in a rinse and repeat cycle again… but the pressure is on and he needs to get his tactics and formation sorted pdq…