After a gritty Premier League Sunday fixture, Manchester United suffered another disappointing feat after a 2-2 draw against Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur.
After getting an early advantage through United striker Rasmus Hojlund in the third minute of the match, Erik ten Hag’s men ultimately shared a point with the North London club.
United forward Marcus Rashford got back on the Premier League scoresheet after their December fixture against Nottingham Forest, though this positive was not the main topic on the United boss’ mind during his post-match comments.Ten Hag was left frustrated after United’s stalemate against Spurs, which even made the Dutchman ask his players to “grow up”.
“You have to grow up and be more physical, head the ball away. That shouldn’t happen. And the second [Spurs goal, from a break] was a typical one. We know the quick releases and then we allow them a diagonal pass and with one diagonal pass they break our whole team and that can’t happen.” Erik ten Hag on United’s performance vs Tottenham
Spurs found their two goalscorers in Richarlison and their Italian midfielder, Rodrigo Bentancur, but the United manager thinks that both goals could have been avoided if the United defence had avoided “typical” mistakes.
“I am quite disappointed. When you go ahead twice and then concede two soft goals it is bit frustrating, but you have to take it as it is”, Ten Hag added.
The match also marked the first time that United’s new shareholder Jim Ratcliffe was amongst the game attendees as a part of the club. On being asked about Ratcliffe’s presence in the stadium and United’s display in front of him, Ten Hag said the boys showed fighting spirit.
“He will have seen a team fighting for each other and trying to get a win. He has seen two great goals on our side and also what he should have noticed is we should be more man when we have to defend corners”, Ten Hag added.
United move on to face their yet-to-be decided opponent in the fourth round of FA Cup on January 28, 2024, hoping for a better result to keep their sole trophy hope alive.
