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Erik ten Hag criticizes Manchester United’s ‘unforgivable’ performance in the loss to Dortmund.
Erik ten Hag has called Manchester United’s performance against Borussia Dortmund in a friendly on Sunday night “unforgivable.”
The Red Devils were defeated 3-2 by BVB on Sunday night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, thanks to a brace from Donyell Malen and a 71st-minute winner from Youssoufa Moukoko.
Dortmund’s second and third goals were direct results of United’s careless blunders. Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka both made crucial blunders, while teenage winger Omari Forson was replaced before halftime due to concerns he would be sent off.
Speaking after the game to MUTV, manager Ten Hag was quick to stress his disappointment in his side’s performance in the final 30 minutes of the game, lamenting his side’s sloppiness in and out of possession.
“Two parts. The first hour was good, performed well, playing as a team, a lot of dynamism, good pressing, so it was really enjoyable to see and that is what I wanted to say to the team at half-time,” Ten Hag began. “And then all of sudden they gave away two goals – and they were really giveaways. So that was already annoying.
“But the last half an hour, that was bad. That was a poor performance. Didn’t follow the rules at all. Not in pressing, not in building up and not in attacking.
“You see only 60 minutes where I was pleased with it – but not with the goals we conceded, because that was really poor. First one really poor defending and the second one really poor in building up. That is not us.
“We have to keep the control and keep the responsibility on the ball. And it was the same for the 3-2 goal for Dortmund. So that can’t happen. It’s unforgivable, even if it’s a friendly.”
Man United will now return to England to play Lens on August 5 at Old Trafford to finish their preseason, then fly to Dublin, Ireland, to play Athletic Club at the Aviva Stadium.