Manager Erik ten Hag Takes Responsibility Amid Defensive Struggles

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has insisted that ultimate blame for his team’s latest Champions League collapse lies at his door but still admitted players also deserve criticism.

United went into Wednesday night’s game against Galatasaray desperate for a win after losing three of their opening four group matches. Things even started well when they raced into a 2-0 lead. But Gala ended up pulling it back to 3-3 even after Scott McTominay had put United 3-1 ahead.

Ten Hag’s side led by two goals at two different points of the game and fans feel as though they have seen this pattern too often in Europe this season. United lost the lead twice against Galatasaray at Old Trafford on matchday two to lose 3-2 and conceded twice in the last ten minutes against Copenhagen to somehow suffer a 4-3 defeat on matchday four.

Only Antwerp (15) have let in more goals than the 14 that United have shipped in five games.

“I am responsible for this,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports. “We know we are in a project. We are making improvements, so that’s very hopeful. We are going in the right direction so I know we will be successful in the long-term, but if you want to stay in the Champions League you need to win these games.

“We were winning and then we’re losing it. We should have taken three points, that’s clear. We did this in other games. I was pleased with how we played but at the same time I have to criticise the team because the defending is not good enough. We are leading 3-1 and we cannot afford mistakes as it makes a difference.”