Erik Ten Hag Slams Manchester United's Lacklustre Performance In Rosenborg Defeat

Erik ten Hag criticised Manchester United's performance after their unexpected friendly defeat to Rosenborg on Monday. The Red Devils lost 1-0 at Lerkendal Stadion due to Noah Holm's goal in the 93rd minute. This disappointing display was a stark contrast to their previous match, a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Rosenborg dominated the game, hitting the woodwork four times and attempting 22 shots compared to United's five. Ten Hag fielded key players like Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Marcus Rashford, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Mason Mount. Despite this strong lineup, he was visibly upset with their performance.

"The result is not secondary. We play pre-season but at Manchester United, there's a standard," said Ten Hag to MUTV after the game. "You win games. Definitely, you don't lose games. If you can't win, don't lose the game as we did at the end, the last second of the game."

Radek Vitek, United's 20-year-old goalkeeper, made seven saves in this one-sided match and was the only player who impressed Ten Hag. "Let's say he got the opportunity from the team to make some very good saves because our performance as a team is by far not good enough," Ten Hag responded when asked about Vitek's showing.

Ten Hag emphasised that top football requires higher standards and individual fitness. "I have seen this is not the standard for top football. Top football, you have to achieve much higher standards. It starts with any individual; make sure you are fit," he stated.

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The Dutch manager credited his younger players who came on at half-time for their willingness to listen and try to implement his coaching model. "They always listen; they try to transfer. We didn't succeed today," he said of his younger players.

Despite acknowledging their efforts, Ten Hag admitted that they failed to execute his strategies on the pitch effectively. "But the attitude, they want to transfer the coaching play model; they are always willing to do it. But it is clear today we didn't transfer it to the pitch."

Ten Hag also noted that Rosenborg had a fitness advantage as they are currently in their league season while United is still building match fitness through these pre-season games.

"I know we can't be match fit in this moment; therefore, you need these games," he explained. "I know we are playing an opponent who are in their league; they have a much higher fitness level."

The manager stressed that despite these challenges, Manchester United must perform better regardless of circumstances. "But still we are Man Utd and players and teams from Man Utd must perform better," he concluded.