Erik ten Hag provided a post-match interview after Manchester United succumbed to a 6-3 defeat at the hands of Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The boss was disappointed with the display of United players. He largely highlighted “lack of belief” amongst his players as the main factor that led the team down.
Erik ten Hag said: “I am very disappointed, especially at the lack of belief. I didn’t expect it. In the [previous] games, yes some weeks ago, our team was confident, there was a good spirit, there was a good vibe and today we didn’t bring it on the pitch from the first minute at all.”
“The vibe hasn’t gone [definitively] but today they didn’t bring the belief on the pitch. It is possible to play and we didn’t.”
“On the ball we gave easy balls away. We made many wrong decisions and out of possession, we didn’t go on the front foot. I always expect my team [to go on the front foot] but today, they didn’t do that.”
Erik ten Hag reasoned that: “It’s always difficult to find out, especially straight after the game. I have to talk to my players, I have to find out”.
“They know they [can do] better – see the performances against Arsenal and Liverpool – but if you don’t fight, like we didn’t, then you have a problem against a team like Man City. When you don’t concentrate against a team like Man City you get hammered, that’s what happened.”
“I think it’s good that a team like City gives you the status where you are in this moment. It’s clear we did well against top teams like Liverpool and Arsenal, when we were disciplined and we followed the rules and principles, we had belief to play and we were on the front foot defending.”
“Then you can bring a good performance and that can bring a result. When you don’t, when you are not front foot, when you are not brave to play, you get the result as today”.
