Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has raised doubts about the team’s level of motivation following a thrilling draw against Brentford, stating that they need to demonstrate greater enthusiasm and commitment.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed his disappointment after his team’s 1-1 draw against Brentford, stating that they did not deserve to win. The match saw United struggle to contain Thomas Frank’s side, allowing Brentford to have over 30 shots on goal. However, goalkeeper Andre Onana’s exceptional saves kept United in the game.
United briefly looked set to secure a victory when midfielder Mason Mount scored in the 96th minute. But Brentford’s Kristoffer Ajer equalized in the 99th minute, resulting in a share of the points. This result leaves United eight points behind Tottenham and 11 points behind Aston Villa, although they have a game in hand.
While Ten Hag’s team remains in contention for the FA Cup, their chances of finishing in the top four and securing a UEFA Champions League spot for next season have diminished. Speaking after the match, Ten Hag admitted that his side did not deserve to win and highlighted the need for more passion and desire.
Ten Hag also addressed the high number of shots conceded by his team, stating that as long as they continue to get results, he is not concerned. He praised the team’s defensive efforts and credited the brilliant performance of goalkeeper Onana. Despite the setback, Ten Hag believes that United can still secure Champions League football, emphasizing that there are still many games to go in the season.
On the other hand, Brentford manager Thomas Frank was pleased with his team’s performance, particularly their dominance in terms of shots and dangerous situations. He highlighted the impressive display against a strong United team, despite missing their entire backline. Frank expressed his frustration when United scored, but overall, he was proud of his team’s efforts.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s disappointing draw against Brentford has put their top-four aspirations in jeopardy. Manager Erik ten Hag acknowledged his team’s shortcomings and emphasized the need for improvement. Meanwhile, Brentford’s Thomas Frank praised his team’s performance and expressed his frustration at not securing a victory despite their dominance.