Winning 3 points, Coach Ten Hag still criticizes MU players
Coach Erik ten Hag revealed his dissatisfaction even though Manchester United won all 3 points against Fulham in the opening match of the 2024/25 Premier League.
Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United need to be more efficient and take their chances after the club’s 1-0 win over Fulham, which took place in the early hours of August 17 (Vietnam time).
Ten Hag told Sky Sports after the final whistle that he was happy with most aspects of his team’s performance against the Cottagers, except for the finishing.
The Dutchman commented: “Against Fulham, it’s always a difficult game but we pressed very well and kept them under pressure. Man United created a lot of chances and should have scored earlier. That’s my only criticism of the team.”
MU missed a series of good opportunities (Photo: Getty).
Joshua Zirkzee’s late goal helped Man United secure all three points in their opening Premier League match of the 2024/25 season. Throughout the match, and especially in the first 45 minutes, the Red Devils had many chances to score but the players failed to capitalize on them due to poor finishing.
Bruno Fernandes had two golden chances but both times the Portuguese was denied by goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Mason Mount also had a chance to score when Marcus Rashford assisted but the England midfielder was unable to get on the scoresheet.
Speaking about the change, Ten Hag said: “It shows that substitutions are important. It’s great to bring a player on in the first game and Zirkzee helped us win. It’s good for the team’s work and the morale of everyone. It shows how important substitutions are and that players need to be ready.”
“We know the importance of keeping clean sheets. Two seasons ago, Man United kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League.”
Ten Hag was pleased with Zirkzee’s performance (Photo: Getty).
The United boss added on his team’s defence: “When we have a stable back four, the team defends properly with a high midfield and wingers who can get forward. Without a stable back four, there is no pattern and routine, and that’s when gaps appear.”
Zirkzee wasn’t the only debutant at Old Trafford today, with Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt also making their Red Devils debuts after joining from Bayern Munich earlier this week.
Mazraoui was included in the starting line-up but De Ligt came off the bench. Reacting to Mazraoui’s excellent performance, Ten Hag said: “I know how Noussair Mazraoui plays. He is a great defender, but very calm on the ball. He is not in good shape, when he is 100% fit, Mazraoui can do a lot more.”
