‘We are MAD’ – Ten Hag tells raging Man Utd flops to channel anger of Tottenham humiliation into must-win Porto clash
ERIK TEN HAG reckons his raging Manchester United players will be ready to unleash their frustration against Porto.
United boss Ten Hag is fighting to save his job following Sunday’s embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Spurs.
The Dutchman, who has seen Bruno Fernandes’ red card overturned, said: “As always, when we are not winning, we are very disappointed and we are also mad. Mad with ourselves and especially when you lose a game like Sunday.
“When you have to play for such a long time with 10 players and after the red card is overturned, that gives you frustration because to play with 10 men is of course never in your advantage.
“It had a real impact on the game but you have to deal with it. We are mad and from the madness we have to get motivation and go onto the next game.”
Ten Hag could face the sack if United lose in the Europa League in Portugal and also suffer a bad result against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Asked why the team is lacking belief against Spurs, Ten Hag said: “I think on Sunday, they were lacking belief but I have seen so many games where they have been confident. Against City in the FA Cup final and in the Community Shield.
“Against Porto, we face a big challenge and we know what the atmosphere will be like. They are a good team with good players who defend aggressively and know how to get the right result.”
Yet Ten Hag, who will be without Mason Mount on Thursday night after he suffered a head injury, claims he is not panicking.
He said: “Nothing is easy, but this is nothing for me to panic about because I experienced it so often with my teams during seasons that you are facing those problems.
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“So, we can sort them out, this team can sort this out. When it’s in an individual area, we can sort those problems out.”
Asked if he will be sacked if these next two matches go badly, he said: “I’m not thinking about this. I’m not anxious as well.”
Man Utd ratings vs Tottenham
MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.
After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.
However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.
And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.
Andre Onana – 5
Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.
Subs:
Mount (for Mainoo 45) 5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.
Porto boss Vitor Bruno claims he is expecting a tough battle.
Asked about Ten Hag, he said: “I’ve heard a lot of people saying that he was coming with a rope around his neck but it would be a huge mistake to underestimate them.
“We are talking about world-class players. If you tell a different story, it doesn’t relate to the truth.
“Any club has problems but we have to be on our toes and very alert. It’s going to be very hard. Utd are 13th in the Premier League but let’s see how things turn out.
“We are talking about amazing, exciting players. Maybe they are not having their best moment, but we have to know where the danger is coming from and have the right state of mind.
“I haven’t met him (Ten Hag) yet, but I would love to. In Portugal, if you lose one match you are almost dead.
“There is a coach here, (Carlos) Carvahal who was in the Premier League and the Championship.
“He says in England the coaches have a glass of wine together after the match. If Ten Hag wants, the dressing-room is open for him.”