Erik ten Hag criticised Manchester United’s young players for their role in Crystal Palace’s first goal of their 4-0 mauling.
United suffered their worst defeat of the season and 13th loss in the Premier League at Selhurst Park, where Michael Olise’s two goals bookended a handsome victory for Palace. Ten Hag was visibly apoplectic at the ease with which Olise collected the ball just inside his own half before running towards goal to score the opening goal in the 12th minute.
“There (the first goal) was a script and they should follow it and they didn’t do,” Ten Hag said. “Professionals shouldn’t allow this because it was such an easy giveaway goal, five players over the ball and they have a throw-in.
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“It’s not the first time this season it happens. I know we have young players but even young players should learn when they play in the first team they should take responsibility there.
“How we give the goals away and especially when we prepare the team and conceding the first goal is very disappointing. Easy giveaways and it shouldn’t happen and especially not in the circumstances we are in because we have problems. But we have to help each other out.”
United conceded at least three goals for the 15th time this season and Ten Hag admitted it was their “worst defeat” in a campaign that they have now suffered 18 losses.
Ten Hag felt the players let each other down. “It’s very disappointing, underperforming definitely,” Ten Hag conceded. “Worst defeat. We should have done better, it was a team performance, it was not correct, making big mistakes, not following the plan, the script and the rules we have.
“Of course, also individual mistakes, but then we should cover each other. We didn’t do. We let each other down and you get the worst defeat.
“Also we know not all the players are in their favourite positions because we have huge problems but then we have to help out each other.”
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
