Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag took aim at Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies before the two teams met in Europe, but the Canada international has hit back
Video Loading
Video Unavailable
Man Utd’s five worst decisions since Erik ten Hag took over
Alphonso Davies backed his own defensive abilities after being targeted by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag before Bayern Munich’s match against the English side.
Davies is a regular presence in Bayern’s defence, though the Canadian international has played further forward for his country. When United travelled to the Allianz Arena in September, though, the visiting boss appeared to see him as a weak link.
“Tactically, it works out very well for us because they have Davies who is very offensive, a lot of speed, and he can match that,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports before the meeting, suggesting young winger Facundo Pellistri could thrive against the Bayern man. “[Pellistri] can match that offensively and defensively… Davies is not a great defender so, I think it will be a good game for him.”
United had some luck in front of goal, with Rasmus Hojlund scoring his first for the club and Casemiro beating Sven Ullreich twice late on. Bayern still came out on top, though, with Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, Harry Kane and Mathys Tel on target in a 4-3 home win.
Davies was asked about Ten Hag’s comments on Sunday as Bayern faced Freiburg in the Bundesliga. Thomas Tuchel’s side won that game 3-0, but still sit two places and two points behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
“I think as a coach, he said it to motivate his players and I’m not sure what he saw but I’m not here to say he was wrong,” Davies told ESPN. “I do have a lot of good defensive ability and I showed that during the game.
Was Erik ten Hag wrong about Alphonso Davies? Have your say in thecomments section
Alphonso Davies and Bayern Munich beat Manchester United 4-3 (
Image:
Marcel Engelbrecht/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)
“It was actually after the game that I saw the interview, but at the end of the day all that matters is I did my job on the pitch and we got the three points,” the Canadian continued. “It doesn’t really hype me, I just have to go out there and play my game. I don’t let criticism and what people say get to me.”
United followed their defeat to Bayern with another questionable defensive display in their second Champions League group game. Galatasaray came to Old Trafford and won 3-2, with Casemiro sent off for the English side
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
TNT Sports gives you access to games across the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, Serie A and many more. You can also watch the biggest clashes in boxing, UFC, WWE and the get exclusive action from MLB all for one payment every month. You can watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
£29.99 a month and get access to discovery+ Premium at no extra cost
TNT Sports
The Brazil midfielder will be missing from the next group game, at home to FC Copenhagen. Ten Hag’s side have back-to-back games against the Danish champions, followed by Galatasaray away and Bayern at home.
Bayern beat Copenhagen when the teams met in Denmark, though it wasn’t all straightforward. Tuchel’s team trailed with 25 minutes remaining, only for Jamal Musiala to equalise and young forward Tel to score the winner.
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our __Privacy Notice.
