Erik ten Hag criticized his Manchester United players after a critical error from Christian Eriksen led to a 1-1 draw against FC Twente in their Europa League opener on Wednesday.
United initially took the lead in the 35th minute with a goal from Eriksen. However, in the second half, the Danish midfielder made a crucial mistake, allowing Twente to equalize. Sam Lammers dispossessed Eriksen, who had attempted a risky turn under pressure, and scored in the 68th minute, placing the ball past goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Ten Hag did not single out Eriksen for blame, emphasizing that the entire team must share responsibility for not maintaining their lead. “We kept them alive, 1-0 up, controlling the game you have to be consistent and keep going. In the second half we dropped the level, gave the goal away,” he stated.
“We didn’t finish it off; we had to go for the second goal and so they stay alive and we get punished with a mistake from ourselves,” he continued. Addressing Eriksen’s error, Ten Hag remarked, “The goal it’s (a) team (mistake); a player of Twente can dribble through the pitch without stopping. We can’t give a goal away like this.”
Ten Hag reiterated the need for the team to remain focused, noting, “Once 1-0 up you have to keep going, go for the second. It’s the first game; it’s very important you get a win.”
Having spent a combined 23 years at Twente in various roles, Ten Hag expressed his discomfort at facing a team he holds in high regard. Unfortunately for him, it was Twente that capitalized on United’s inconsistent play, following their disappointing goalless draw against Crystal Palace the previous Saturday.
Eriksen acknowledged the team’s lack of desire during the match, stating, “I think mostly disappointed as a team; we wanted more in the end, far from good enough. They looked like they wanted it more, that can’t be right.” He added, “I think everyone is looking at themselves; everyone is a professional footballer, they know what to do, what can’t happen. We don’t lose, but it feels like a loss.”
Following a disappointing previous season where United finished bottom of their Champions League group with only one win, this match marks another difficult start in European competition.
Looking ahead, Ten Hag’s side will face Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday. In the revamped Europa League first stage, they will next encounter Porto, followed by a match against Fenerbahce, managed by their former boss, Jose Mourinho.
