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Erik ten Hag reacts to Manchester United’s defeat to Cadiz.
Erik ten Hag gave a candid appraisal of Manchester United’s defeat to Cadiz, admitting that the friendly had more drawbacks than advantages.
The Red Devils lost 4-2 to the team now ranked 19th in La Liga to begin a midseason tour of Spain. The Red Devils fell down early on by two goals and trailed by 2-1 at the break.
After the break, Kobbie Mainoo soon tied it 2-2, but because United made 10 substitutions and fielded a much youthful lineup in the second half, Cadiz benefited and won easily.
Speaking to MUTV after the game, Ten Hag delivered his verdict: “It’s quite clear we were not awake, we were asleep in the first 15 minutes. They were a threat in transition. In the second goal we were not awake, a bad rest defence – especially in the midfield, we got ran off. It’s not possible, unacceptable.”
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“The first goal as well, a set play, bad organisation and discipline; you concede a goal,” he added: “After that, we came in the game, but couldn’t make the equaliser before half-time.”
“We are unhappy with this game. Of course, you always have some positives even when you lose, but today there are more negatives.”
Given that so many of Manchester United’s top stars were still in Qatar for the World Cup, a number of peripheral first-team players were given a chance to play during the first half, but with a few notable exceptions, the majority of them struggled to make an impression.
Despite a few impressive performances and moments to be excited about in the second half, the experience prevailed. Ten Hag, though, was content with what he saw from a young XI after the break: “They gave energy. They run and fight, maybe not always in the right organisation. They make mistakes. It was a good lesson, they see that small mistakes have big consequences.”
Before returning to action in the Carabao Cup against Burnley on December 21, United plays Real Betis on December 10 in their second and final midseason friendly.