On Sunday, Manchester United’s midfield was non-existent against Newcastle.
The Magpies took all three points at St James’ Park, winning 2-0 and passing United in the Premier League table.
In the aftermath of the game, some of Erik ten Hag’s judgments were questioned.
Supporters were perplexed by his decision to finish the game with a single center-back, as well as his decision to put Scott McTominay further forward in midfield than Bruno Fernandes.
It didn’t help that Marcel Sabitzer was having a nightmare in the middle of the movie.
Gary Neville criticized United’s midfield three on Monday Night Football for getting overrun and outplayed against Newcastle.
“Manchester United’s three in midfield should not have been overwhelmed and outplayed like that,” Neville remarked.
It goes without saying that United missed Casemiro, but I wouldn’t ignore the fаcт that Christian Eriksen is still out with an injury.
We’re playing without our two finest midfielders because Ten Hag is expected to sign a new midfielder or two this summer.
Erik ten Hag blames lack of maturity
When Newcastle widened the gap between themselves and the top four, Erik ten Hag ripped at his Manchester United players, accusing them of lacking maturity, grit, and hunger.
When Newcastle defeated United in the League Cup final at Wembley in February, Eddie Howe’s team moved up to third place, ahead Manchester United on goal differential.
With only one shot on goal and no goals in their last three Premier League games, Ten Hag was vehement in his assessment of his team’s performance.
The manager of United commented, “I was sᴜrpriseԀ that we couldn’t equal the tenacity and zeal of the opponent. “You are aware of what to expect when visiting St James’ Park and Newcastle, especially after we won the cup. Hence, maturity is required if you want to win important games, and I didn’t see it on the field today (Sunday).
I hate to admit it, but they were superior, particularly in terms of tenacity, fervor, and desire. This week, they wanted to win more, therefore they succeeded.
After the game, United defender Luke Shaw claimed that the team had a frank discussion in the locker room about their performance and attitude.
Without any staff present, the players “had a chat,” according to Shaw. “That was far from adequate, and we had to speak up and take responsibility.
“Everyone needs to fighт for each other when we take the field, but there have been times this season when that hasn’t been the case. We must identify the issues and address them without delay if we are to have a successful season, which is not possible with these performances and outcomes.
We must be an honest team, and I always speak honestly after games and poor outcomes. Newcastle is a really good team, in my opinion, but I don’t think that’s how they won the match.
They triumphed because they were more motivated than we were and had greater passion, hunger, drive, and attitude.
“That’s not feasible, can it? They wanted the game more since it was so big. That is not feasible at Manchester United.
You could say that (this result) was anticipated even before the international break because we didn’t make a lot of noise.
We have three days to pull it back up because Brentford (on Wednesday) will be a very tough game. “We have slipped levels, and it was plain to see the levels were not there.”
The Dutchman, Ten Hag, concurred with Shaw’s assessment of the game, saying, “I fully agree, and that was also my opinion of this game. They were more determined, more aggressιυе, and had more drive in many instances on the pitch, and then you can’t win games.”
As Newcastle scored their second goal in the 83rd minute and Ten Hag replaced both of the center backs, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, he defended his choice.
We were down 1-0 and you ris𝗸 everything, so it was the conclusion of the game, but before that, Ten Hag stated, we brought in Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho to gain more possession.
