“I have to look in the mirror” | Erik ten Hag criticises Manchester United's mentality
Unsettling Start to the Season: Manchester United’s Flawed Mentality Uncovered
Manchester United’s recent form in Europe is nothing short of alarming, with the team winning only one of their last nine games in the Champions League and Europa League. Last night’s match was no different, as United’s lead was squandered at the death, leaving them with just three wins from their first eight games in the current season.
According to Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s manager, the team’s mentality played a significant role in the disappointing outcome. In a post-match interview, ten Hag criticized his team, stating that it seemed as though the opposing team (Tent) wanted it more than his own side. This is a concerning admission, especially for the Red Devils’ faithful fans.
A Lack of Killer Instinct
As ten Hag pointed out, Manchester United’s work rate and high-intensity pressure are often impressive, particularly in many games. However, he also acknowledged his own share of responsibility and criticized the team’s attitude in the second half, stating that they were "too easy going" and "complacent" when it mattered most.
The Dutch manager emphasized that his team needs to focus on "killing the game" and not resting on their laurels when they’re ahead. Manchester United’s inability to secure a second goal and kill the match off ultimately proved costly, as the atmosphere in the team began to falter.
Lessons Learned
Erik ten Hag’s words served as a wake-up call for the Manchester United team, urging them to deliver a more ruthless performance from now on. As they look to turn their European fortunes around, the Dutch manager will be keen for his players to adopt a more ruthless mentality and complete the job when they’ve got the upper hand.
For Manchester United fans, the early season struggles may be a cause for concern, but there’s no denying that the team is capable of producing high-octane performances. A renewed focus on mental toughness and killer instinct could yet prove the difference between achieving success and falling short of expectations.