Ten Hag blasts Man United defending vs Galatasaray but backs Onana

• Erik ten Hag slams Man Utd defending but backs Andre Onana after goalkeeping horror show completes capitulation against Galatasaray.

Erik ten Hag reprimanded his defenders rather than placing the responsibility for Manchester United’s 3-3 draw against Galatasaray on Andre Onana’s mistakes.

Having let two-goal leads slip away twice at Rams Park, United’s chances of advancing past the group stages are not great. Ten Hag’s team led 2-0 and 3-1 at one point, but Onana let up two simple free kicks by Hakim Ziyech just before halftime, which caused them to finish matchday five at the bottom of Group A. Even though United has only won one of their last five Champions League games, they still have a very limited chance of advancing to the round of 16.

• “We are not defending good enough,” the Dutchman told reporters [via Forbes]. “We are leading 3-1 and you can’t afford the mistakes we’re making, because that makes the difference. We were winning and then we’re losing points. We should have taken three points. That is also the case in more games: at home against Galatasaray, away in Copenhagen, we played so good. I have to make a big compliment to the team but, at the same moment, I have to criticise the team and us: as a coaching staff and me, as a manager.”

  On his goalkeeper and two costly errors, Ten Hag replied: “Andre is okay, it is not about individuals. Of course, individual errors in football can make a difference and you take responsibility for it but it is always about the team. I am responsible for this, but also know we are in a project”.

  United has conceded an astounding 14 goals in their five Champions League games this season, placing them bottom of their group heading into the final round of play. Five games into their Champions League campaign, they have also now given up more goals than any English side.

  United may still go to the round of 16, but only if they triumph in their last group game on December 12 at home against Bayern and draw with Galatasaray in Copenhagen.