Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has criticized the team’s defending for Youssef En-Nesyri’s goal after the Reds were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce.
United took the lead through Christian Eriksen before En-Nesyri equalized just after the interval.
A cross was delivered into the box, and En-Nesyri rose unchallenged to meet it, heading the ball into the net. None of the United defenders contested his jump as he went for the ball.
In fact, Victor Lindelof, the closest defender, made little effort and allowed the Fenerbahce player to easily beat Onana without any challenge.
After the final whistle, Ten Hag spoke to club media and highlighted this moment as a key factor that ultimately cost his team.
He said, “It was a good game, two good teams, both went for the win. We want to win and when you are 1-0 up in a tough away game, after a first half where you have control and we had some good chances to make a second [goal], then you concede a goal like we did, that feels bad.”
“The first ball was played in our block, that cannot happen. Then one cross has come in and then a goal, that shouldn’t happen.”
“We missed some big opportunities, like the one where it was brilliant outplay on the right side and then the final pass from Diogo [Dalot] for Rashy [Marcus Rashford] wasn’t quite there. That should be a goal.”
“It was fabulous outplay over the right side, good behind the defending line and then the pull-back – just the final pass wasn’t there in that moment and that’s a pity because, in that moment, if you go 2-1 up, you win the game.”
It could have been much worse for United but for an Andre Onana double save to deny En-Nesyri in the first half.
Ten Hag praised the Cameroonian for his heroic effort. “They were unbelievable saves, it was from second phase from a corner. Two saves from Andre [in the first half from Youssef En-Nesyri] were unbelievable. We know he is capable and we saw there that he is a great keeper.”
“There was also one on the counter attack where Manuel Ugarte made a great save on the goalline. It was also such a moment which showed the determination in this team.”
“It’s hard to beat our team but we have to take more chances. When you want to be really successful, when you are coming into the scoring position, if you want to win more games, you have to score more.”
Up next for United is an away Premier League match against West Ham.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
