Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag defended his team’s performances despite a late 1-1 draw with Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday, saying they are “one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams” in the Premier League. United threw away a late lead for the fifth time in the last month as substitute Zeki Amdouni’s 87th-minute penalty canceled out Antony’s opener less than 10 minutes earlier. Burnley’s equalizer was self-inflicted, with Casemiro’s inexplicable headed back-pass leading to Andre Onana cleaning out Amdouni – in a similar challenge to the one he got away with against Wolves on the opening weekend of the season. Ten Hag’s side have now failed to win five of their last six league games, conceding 12 goals during that run, but the manager defended United’s performances of late. “Every team gives up opportunities,” Ten Hag told BBC Sport. “But, when it is up to us, it is weird. We created loads of chances as well. “We are one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams in the league at this moment. We are creating loads of chances by playing good football. It was unnecessary to lose control. We repaired this at half-time and the second half was much better.” Champions League qualification is all but confirmed to be out of reach for United with four games remaining, and Aston Villa 12 points clear in fourth. Unai Emery’s side also boasts a far superior goal difference. Ten Hag’s side are also six points adrift of fifth-placed Tottenham having played two games more, while Newcastle are one point behind them in the battle for sixth and Europa League qualification. “That is the facts,” said Ten Hag when asked if the Europa League looks more likely. “It is not easy to get fourth when you’re so far behind. We needed to win. “The past few weeks we’ve got in winning positions and then given it away. The gap is too big in this phase of the season.” Sky Sports pundit Tim Sherwood criticized the culture at United under Ten Hag and said the midfielders are “not willing to run.” “Another bad performance,” Sherwood said on Soccer Saturday. “Another performance without any style or playing identity. No DNA, which Dan Ashworth will be looking for when he comes in and Jason Wilcox. “They’ve got their work cut out there, that’s for sure. They need to see a playing identity. Ten Hag has not just come into the job, he’s been there long enough. He has his own players. “I can’t see what they do. In possession, they are all about moments and out of possession they are a shambles. They really are. The worrying thing is that the midfield does not run, when the ball gets played behind them their heads start wobbling. “That’s down to the manager telling them and identifying it. Kobbie Mainoo, I like him, I really like him, but he has caught the Casemiro bug where he is jogging around the pitch. Christian Eriksen is the same – he is one of the most honest players you’re ever going to find. “I think it is a culture there. Not willing to run. They aren’t running enough. They need to be able to run. “If I was Kobbie’s agent or youth-team coach I would say to him, ‘when you first went into the team you ran around with a desire. You’re not doing that at the moment. Don’t fall into the trap of what they’re doing, you don’t have good examples there’. “Man Utd want to be like Arsenal and Man City but they are miles away from that.” Manchester United have thrown away late leads five times in the last six matches, conceding 12 goals during that run. However, Erik ten Hag believes that his team is creating plenty of chances and playing good football. The Red Devils are now struggling to qualify for the Champions League, but ten Hag insists that they can still make it into the Europa League.
Ten Hag Defends Man Utd as ‘Dynamic and Entertaining’ Despite Burnley Draw
