Manchester United: Erik Ten Hag Criticized After Lacklustre Preseason Defeat

Manchester United: Erik Ten Hag Criticized After Lacklustre Preseason Defeat

  • Premier League side, Manchester United, kicked off their 2024/25 pre-season campaign against Norwegian outfit, Rosenborg
  • Erik ten Hag’s side, in what looks like a continuation of their lacklustre form, recorded another disappointing defeat
  • Fans have taken to social media to express their frustrations with the Dutch manager in the aftermath of the loss to Rosenborg

Manchester United's 2024/25 season began on a disappointing note with a defeat to Rosenborg.

Erik ten Hag’s side, featuring five first-team regulars from last season, lost by a last-minute goal by Noah Holm.

Manchester United player line up
Manchester United players pose for a team photo ahead of the friendly match away at Rosenborg at the Lerkendal Stadium on July 15, 2024. Image: Ash Donelon.
Source: Getty Images

Though it was only a friendly match, the result drew significant criticism from both Ten Hag and the fans, particularly since the Premier League team conceded more than 20 shots during the game, according to data from FotMob.

In his post-match press conference as reported by TalkSport, the Dutch manager expressed his dissatisfaction with his team's overall approach to the opening fixture of the new season.

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“Our performance as a team is by far not good enough. This is not the standard for top football," the 54-year-old said, as reported by talkSport. "We can’t be match fit at this moment. They have a much higher fitness level, but we are Manchester United. We must perform better.”

Following the manager's comments, fans and supporters took to social media to voice their displeasure with the team's performance.

Fans’ reaction to Man United’s defeat

@ChrisSweetman6, clearly unimpressed with the team’s performance, stated:

"Such a disgusting defeat."

@FFW_AndyShore, incredulous at what he witnessed, wrote:

“Is this from last season or this season?! Seems indistinguishable…”

@esmooth28, taking a jab at the club, posted:

“ United. Been irrelevant for a long time.”

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@footyandformula, fed up with the excuses and performances under Ten Hag, commented:

“Ah well, Southgate will soon be available to replace ten Hag.”

Manchester United have a chance to restore their fans' faith and trust in their next fixture against Scottish powerhouse Rangers, slated for July 20.

Ten Hag’s side is also expected to welcome back a few first-team players ahead of their second pre-season match.

Manchester United legend visits Ethopia

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Manchester United legend Luis Nani recently embarked on his inaugural visit to Ethiopia, where he met with high-ranking government officials and diplomats.

In a photo circulating online, the former Red Devils winger was sighted in the 'Land of Origins' on a working visit alongside Nigerian football legend Nwankwo Kanu.

Nani, who has Cape Verdean roots, included Ethiopia in his holiday itinerary as he searches for a new club following the end of his contract with Turkish side Adana Demirspor last season.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Chukwu Ikechukwu avatar

Chukwu Ikechukwu (Sports Editor) Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, TV, and online media. His career has seen him contribute his expertise to prominent media outlets such as Today FM, Wish FM, Silverbird Communications, and Sports Brief. Chukwu earned his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture from the University of Port Harcourt in 2016. Email: Chukwu.ikechukwu@corp.legit.ng