Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Galatasaray, Champions League
Joe Adams
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Galatasaray, Champions League
Erik ten Hag has identified who is to blame for Manchester United's total collapse against Galatasaray.
The Red Devils looked to be cruising towards victory in their Champions League clash with the Turkish giants on Wednesday after goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes put them in the driving seat.
Hakim Ziyech pulled one back from a free-kick before Scott McTominay restored United's two-goal buffer with a well-taken finish. However, what happened next may haunt supporters for quite some time.
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Andre Onana was at fault for yet another Ziyech free-kick, as he let the ball slip through his grasp and into the back of the net, before Kerem Akturkoglu completed the comeback.
The result means the Premier League side must beat Bayern Munich at Old Trafford in just under two weeks' time, while Galatasaray must draw with FC Copenhagen for United to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game (via The Mirror), Ten Hag gave his assessment of the performance, explaining: "We were winning and then we're losing it. We should have taken three points, that's clear. We did this in other games.
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"I was pleased with how we played but at the same time I have to criticise the team because the defending is not good enough. We are leading 3-1 and we cannot afford mistakes as it makes a difference.
"Every goal has its own story. Whether it's a transition moment and we don't block the middle or the second goal which is a free-kick and the third goal we are organised but have an overload. That cannot happen. We have to learn from that.
"I am very pleased because you see the style of this team which is pro-active, dynamic and brave. I was pleased with the performance because we created so many chances but at the same time we have to win this game."
When quizzed on who was to blame for his side's implosion at 3-1 up, the Dutchman replied: "It's always me. I am responsible for this. We know we are in a project. We are making improvements so that's very hopeful.
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"We are going in the right direction so I know we will be successful in the long-term but if you want to stay in the Champions League you need to win these games."