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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has voiced his disappointment following his side’s 1-1 draw against FC Twente in their Europa League opener.
Despite taking the lead in the first half through a Christian Eriksen strike, United failed to push on their advantage, allowing Twente to snatch a point after a second-half equaliser.
And the Dutchman was critical of his side’s second-half performance, pointing out that they failed to put the game beyond Twente’s reach.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Ten Hag said: “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.
“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.”
“In the second half we dropped a level and gave a goal away.”
Erik ten Hag reacts to Man United’s draw with FC Twente 🤝 pic.twitter.com/Fj6sV6WURS
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 25, 2024
United dominated large parts of the game but lacked the clinical edge to extend their lead, something that has plagued the former Europa League winners all season.
When asked whether the equaliser was a result of a system error or individual mistakes, Ten Hag was quick to highlight a collective lapse in defensive discipline.
He added: “The goal it is team, a player of Twente can dribble through the pitch without stopping. We can’t give a goal away like this.
“We have seen again you have to keep going for the whole game, 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.”
United will be looking to bounce back in their next European fixture, but for now, will turn their attention to their game against Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.