Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag, have six defeats in 10 matches — their worst start to the season since 1986. Photo: Reuters/Jason Cairnduff < p>Erik ten Hag insisted he has the backing of Manchester United's management to turn the season around after defeat at Galatasaray left the club in further crisis.
< p>United were booed after their second defeat in four days. , with their record of six defeats from 10 matches, their worst start to a season since 1986 — a campaign in which Ron Atkinson was replaced by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ten Hag lamented his side's mistakes, which saw them fall twice lost the lead to the winner Mauro Icardi. Former United captain Rio Ferdinand, a pundit for TNT Sports, called it «school football, it's Sunday football.»
But despite questions about his leadership, Ten Hag says the club is united in its desire to turn the tide of the season around. around, including their Glazer owners. He also supported goalkeeper Andre Onana, who again made a number of mistakes.
“We fight together, we will stick together, we support each other, we, the directors and the crew, we will all fight together — we know that we will achieve more, and together we will win,” said Ten Hag.
“Yes, I understand [fans booing], they can expect responsibility for this team. So I can understand them. At the end of the day, the fans are just as disappointed as we are.
“The mental mistakes we make, you can't make at this level. You will receive punishment. It's difficult to control. We're all in this together. We were higher twice and controlled the game. Together we expect more.”
After taking the lead twice through Rasmus Hoylund, United were guilty of major defensive errors that set up Wilfried Zaha and Kerem Aktürkoglu to equalise. Icardi missed a penalty that led to Casemiro being sent off, but the Argentine striker scored the winner after Ten Hag's defense collapsed again.
Casemiro (left) misses a penalty and is sent off for challenging Dries Mertens. Photo: AFP/Darren Staples
«There are no excuses,» the United manager said. «We may be unbalanced on the left flank, but still we can't make the same mistakes we did and we need to play better, we just have to win our games.
«We make the same errors. , but I saw a team that was really united, had great spirit, played fantastically in stages and scored good goals. We were in complete control of the situation and suddenly we made a mistake, a mistake, and football is a game of mistakes, but I give instructions on how to deal with it.
“It’s fair that we have to stay focused but also control the game better by being even more compact, in possession and keeping more of the ball. After you score a goal, you have to take more control, and always when you score a goal, the opponents give up more space, and when you miss a goal, they come even more for a second.”
Casemiro, who has been sent off three times in nine months, will miss the clash with Copenhagen as Ten Hag's side look to earn their first points in Group A. United also missed a big chance when Marcus Rashford opted to level with Bruno Fernandes before goal, and the Turkish side wins the ball back.
“This is a big disappointment. It was very quiet in the dressing room,” said United midfielder Christian Eriksen. “I don't think it's a matter of confidence. This is awareness, harshness and wrong decisions at the wrong time. There's a lot [to be done]. These are the details. If we don't make mistakes, we don't give in the way we do.”
Ten Hag insisted Onana, a £47.2m signing from Inter Milan, will eventually prove he is United's number one after another shaky performance in which he was guilty of awkward crosses and poor clearances. kicks, which led to a penalty and a red card.
“We’re happy with our group of goalies,” Ten Hag said. “Andre was in one Champions League semi-final [at Ajax, he was in the final last season and he could be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. We have already seen his great abilities as well as his personality. He'll make a mistake and bounce back, and I'm sure he'll do it again.”
Brazil striker Anthony made his first appearance in a month after a period of paid leave while he investigated allegations he attacked. ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin.
“Of course we thought about him, and of course the charges, if you think about it, are serious,” Ten Hag said. “We took them very seriously. So we took some time off to sort it out and he co-operated fully with the police in Brazil and Manchester.»
Galatasaray officials celebrated wildly in the Old Trafford directors' box without feeling victory. on the road. in the group stage after beating Braga in 2012.
“This victory is very important for Turkish football and for us,” said Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk. “We were focused on our game, and our opponent has a good team and good chances. Both teams had the same performance, but in the second half we played better and we are glad to win against this team.”
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