Erik ten Hag spoke to the media after Sunday’s Manchester derby defeat to City at Old Trafford.
The manager sat down with reporters and was asked about the game, his team selections, the penalty decision that led to City’s opening goal and why he took Rasmus Hojlund off in the second half.
Here’s the transcript of his answers in full…
Is that one of the most disappointing days you ‘ve had as Manchester United manager?
“Of course, it’s disappointing. Last year, we had many highlights but so far, not now, and when you lose the derby and the way you lose, it’s disappointing. In the first half, we had a very good game-plan and the execution of the game-plan was also good. It was toe-to-toe in the first half but the penalty changed the moment; in the second half, we chose to become more offensive but it was 2-0 too quickly and, from then on, it was a difficult game.”
There was surprise about Jonny Evans starting ahead of Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof starting at left-back. Do you stand by those calls because they didn ‘t work today?
“They played very well in the centre with [Andre] Onana; they played a very good game. Just what I expected: you know they will come and press us - no-one can actually be surprised. I said it from the beginning that I needed players on the left side who can make angles and also to step in. Especially against City, with a side who press us, you have to step in to get the press on them, and I think they did this very well.”
What do you say to fans who are going away from the stadium today wondering how you can get close to City? You made progress last year but, this year, it seems to have gone backwards and City seem so far away from you at the moment …
“When you see the first half, it was toe-to-toe, and the penalty changes the game. Even then, we could have returned in the game with the shot of Scott McTominay just before half-time. From chances it was very toe-to-toe and it was also [the same] in the previous games against them - in the FA Cup final and in January - it was very close, even the chances, so the probability we could win was in all the games.”
The second half wasn ‘t toe-to-toe…
“No, absolutely not but as I explained, we were losing and I decided to bring more offensive power in. And then we made a mistake that wasn’t according to the game-plan and we got outplayed and it was 2-0 too quickly, and it was a tough game. But the first half, don’t forget, I think it was exactly how we had to play against them.”
What was your view of the penalty decision?
“No comment. Nothing at all. You make your point of view. You can challenge me but I don’t give a comment.”
There were boos again at the decision to substitute Hojlund. What was your reaction to that?
“I have to protect Rasmus Hojlund and I have to protect the team. He is putting so much effort in pressing, going in the transitions, going long ways, being in the fight, a tough opposition. Then we are losing the game 2-0 and you are taking him off and he is not used to it - three games a week. So as I said, I have to protect him and I also have to protect the team, to bring some energy in - we have bench players, so we have Mason Mount, we have Alejandro Garnacho and we know he can change games. We bring them in and that is the argument why.”
You ‘ve said you feel the team is heading in the right direction but that’s five defeats in 10 Premier League games now and no real convincing performances in recent games. How do you convince fans the team is going in the right direction because results and performances suggest that’s not the case at the moment?
“When you ask that after today’s game against City but the three games before we won and the fighting spirit is very good, so I think we are on the way up; the start was difficult but now we are on the way up and I’m sure when we get injuries back, we will be stronger. Therefore, we have to be patient but I’m happy with some subs, of some injuries coming back, and then our side will be stronger.”
You said that leaving Varane on the bench was a tactical decision. Lindelof, Maguire and Evans all played - what was the reason because it seemed like a baffling decision?
“I said it from the start I was here - I just explained it. I said why: when you face City, they will go up to press, then to play with Rapha and Maguire over the left, that can be giving problems and you end up only kicking long balls. And for me he’s better on the right, Harry, especially against teams who press high. And second to this, you have to step in over that side; that was our tactic, to step in over [Julian] Alvarez, to get Sofyan [Amrabat] higher to get the press on them higher up.”
