Erik ten Hag calls out five 'unprofessional' Man Utd players in the wake of Crystal Palace defeat

Erik ten Hag was reportedly not happy with five of his Manchester United players during their defeat by Crystal Palace.

A brace from Michael Olise plus goals by Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell sealed a 4-0 victory for Oliver Glasner’s side.

After the final whistle, Ten Hag was immediately slammed by fans as the defeat leaves United with an uphill battle in the race for European football next season.

The Red Devils are currently eighth in the Premier League table, six points off fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

After the match, Ten Hag expressed his disappointment in the first goal his side conceded, he said: “Professionals shouldn't allow this. It was such an easy giveaway goal. Five players over the ball when they have a throw-in and it's not the first time this season.

“I know we have young players, but even young players should learn when they play in the first team they should take responsibility.”

Although the Dutchman did not name the five players, an analysis by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher seemed to suggest the players in question were Kobbie Mainoo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Christian Eriksen, Alejandro Garnacho and Mason Mount.

"I would argue night and day with Erik ten Hag, that is WRONG!" ❌
"Casemiro is just a joke tonight" 👀@Carra23 and Ashley Young with their honest thoughts on Manchester United's defensive structure against Crystal Palace 🔍 pic.twitter.com/jksOlqE95p

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 6, 2024

Carragher was adamant that Eriksen was in the wrong position when the throw-in was given.

The former Liverpool man then added: “What is Wan-Bissaka doing there, just doing nothing. He could easily go in there (in front of Jean-Phillipe Mateta) and Mainoo can go there (in front of Olise).

“But again, leadership, organisation, no one taking responsibility. Eriksen gets thrown to the floor, Casemiro was just a joke, how does he run that far with no one getting near him (Olise).”

Fellow pundit and former United man Ashley Young added: “You're expecting to have a set-up. You're expecting them to communicate. If Crystal Palace throw the ball backwards then you can get up the pitch, they won't harm you.

“But when you vacate this big space, it's just crazy to leave that much space, where they want to throw it into and no one is marking and no one is talking.”