“You have to be consistent” – Erik ten Hag Criticizes ‘Complacent’ Manchester United Players Following Europa League Draw With FC Twente

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has criticized his players for their complacent showing in the UEFA Europa League clash against FC Twente. The Dutchman said his men did not show the determination to put the game to bed, which allowed the underdogs to get back into the contest.

Manchester United Dropped Two Points Against FC Twente

The successful team in English soccer, Manchester United began their UEFA Europa League campaign with a battle with FC Twente at Old Trafford on Wednesday, September 25. The Red Devils dominated possession, but could not make things happen in the final third. Twente, meanwhile, did not get much time on the ball but always attacked with purpose.

Following an uninspiring beginning to the game, Manchester United put their noses in front in the 35th minute, with Christian Eriken applying a thumping finish to find the top-right corner. The goal gave United more control, but they could not capitalize on it.

Twente, on the other hand, were doing everything in their power to put pressure on the hosts, and their efforts paid off in the 68th minute. Sam Lammers robbed Eriksen of possession deep inside the Man Utd half, burst into the box, and found the back of the net with a thumping left-footed effort.

Twente defended with all their might for the remainder of the match and came away with a 1-1 draw.

Ten Hag Slams Players for Complacent Showing

Speaking after the game, a disgruntled Ten Hag said (via The Mirror):

“We are very ambitious and when you have ambition you have to perform and prove the point. Today, particularly in the second-half, we were too complacent. We didn’t bring it over the line and, as a team, you have to bring this.

“You have to be consistent and keep going. In the second-half we dropped our level and gave the goal away. We can’t allow the right-back from Twente to dribble through the whole midfield and not be stopped.”

He continued:

“We have seen again that you have to keep going for the whole game. Once you’re 1-0 up you have to keep going and go for the second.

“For Twente, it was the game of their life. They fought for every yard, we didn’t and 99 per cent is not enough, you have to give 100 percent. You have to kill the game, you have to finish it off and kill the game.”

It will be interesting to see if Manchester United players heed Ten Hag’s advice when they return to Europa League action with a clash against FC Porto on October 3.