- Ten Hag was furious with the first goal that Manchester United conceded on Monday
- Michael Olise opened the scoring after a quick attack after a throw-in
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Erik ten Hag was furious with five Manchester United players when he hit their defender on a throw-in leading up to Crystal Palace’s opener on Monday night.
The Red Devils suffered a brutal 4-0 defeat at Selhurst Park, the latest blow to what has been a frustrating season.
The United manager criticized his team’s performance and insisted his players “let each other down” although he vowed to keep fighting amid the pressure on their future.
He was particularly unhappy with the nature of how they conceded their first goal, after Palace broke through the United defense following a throw-in before Michael Olise put the ball in the back of the net.
Ten Hag said after the match: “Professionals should not allow this.” It was such an easy goal to reveal.
Erik ten Hag hit out at five Manchester United players for their involvement in Crystal Palace’s opener in the Eagles’ 4-0 win at Selhurst Park on Monday night.
Jamie Carragher highlighted to the circles above who Ten Hag was talking about (left to right: Alejandro Garnacho, Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen, Aaron-Wan Bissaka and Kobbie Mainoo).
Palace broke through the United defense from the throw-in with Michael Olise scoring
‘Five players above the ball when they take a throw-in and it’s not the first time this season.
“I know we have young players, but even young players should learn to take responsibility when they play in the first team.”
Ten Hag did not name the players he was attacking, although Jamie Carragher’s analysis on Sky Sports after the match made reference to who he thought the Dutchman was talking to.
The players Carragher highlighted were Kobbie Mainoo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Christian Eriksen, Alejandro Garnacho and Mason Mount.
Carragher said he would “argue day and night with Erik ten Hag” that Eriksen’s position on the throw-in is incorrect, with the veteran Danish midfielder marking an opposing player where the ball would not go.
He then added: ‘What is Wan-Bissaka doing there, just doing nothing? He could easily get in there (against Jean-Phillipe Mateta) and Mainoo can get in there (against Olise).
‘But I repeat, leadership, organization, no one takes responsibility. Eriksen falls to the ground, Casemiro was just a joke, how can he run so far without anyone approaching him (Olise)?
Carragher also insisted that senior defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jonny Evans should have told young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to move more centrally towards Olise.
Olise broke through the United defense and Mainoo couldn’t stop him from scoring.
Ashley Young, who was a guest expert on Monday Night Football, added: “You’re waiting to have a setup.” You’re waiting for them to communicate.
“If Crystal Palace throws the ball back, you can go up the pitch, they won’t hurt you.
“But when you vacate this big space, it’s crazy to leave so much space, where they want to throw it and no one scores and no one talks.”
The young player mentioned by Ten Hag in his interview appeared to be Mainoo, who has impressed this season after breaking into the first team.
Carragher said: “He thinks he’s doing a good job, he’s trying to protect.” You’ve got Wan-Bissaka and Jonny Evans, two experienced players, and they have to tell him to move.”
United’s defense did not improve much as Olise scored a second goal, with Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell also scoring in a dominant victory for the Eagles.
Ten Hag’s side will face Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton in their final three league games, before taking on Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
