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Manchester United faced a crushing defeat at the hands of Manchester City on Sunday (2 October). The Red Devils were crushed 3-6 by Pep Guardiola’s men. The score line could have been worse had Erik ten Hag not sent Anthony Martial who netted two goals for the Red Devils in the second half. But those two goals could not cover the fact that Man United looked clueless against the duo of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.
Also, Cristiano Ronaldo warming the bench did not sit well with United fans. Many questioned this strange tactic from ten Hag and the Red Devils' manager had a rather strange reply ready. Ten Hag said that he did not bring Ronaldo on out of respect for his big career. “I wouldn’t bring him in because we are 4-1 down,” said the United manager. “Out of respect for Cristiano, for his big career.”
He further shed light on the poor performances of other players and accepted that the team did not show bravery and confidence. Ten Hag said that the first goal conceded by the team could have been stopped but it could no happen and then it was like a pack of cards. “The plan was to show bravery and confidence, but we didn’t from the first minute,” Ten Hag said. “We left Haaland and we were not tight. For the first goal, we won the ball and could have created a great chance, but instead, we gave it easily away and then it was like a pack of cards.
“I criticized them, I told them. Me as well, because I didn’t get the message through. With this lack of confidence, we cannot win games. I don’t think this attitude is Manchester United, we can act much more brave. We are in the process and I knew before that big teams like City, when you are not good you get hammered and we were not good. We didn’t follow the rules and principles of the way we play and you get hammered.”