Erik ten Hag expressed disappointment over the amount of goals that Manchester United has let in during the Champions League this season. However, he did not hold goalkeeper André Onana solely responsible, despite his two mistakes that led to a 3-3 draw against Galatasaray.
United have now conceded 14 goals in five matches to leave them bottom of Group A with only a slim chance of reaching the last 16. Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay scored for United on a night of hostility in Turkey but they could muster only a draw after Onana misjudged two Hakim Ziyech free-kicks to hand Galatasaray a route back into the match before Kerem Akturkoglu’s ferocious equaliser.
Ten Hag stated that Onana is doing well and emphasized the importance of teamwork over individual mistakes in football.
“We were able to score in quick succession. When you’re up 2-0, that’s when you have to control the game. However, it becomes more challenging when we give away free-kicks and need to improve our defense in those situations. Hakim is truly exceptional and I have full confidence in his abilities.”
The focus is on specific events and information, and there is room for improvement. We must use these experiences as learning opportunities, as our team is allowing too many goals that are both unnecessary and preventable. I have confidence in our team’s experience and ability to address this issue and improve.
During a chaotic evening, United performed better in challenging circumstances, taking 17 shots but only managing to get four on target. This marks the third instance this season that they have scored three goals in a European away game, but unfortunately, it has only earned them one point on their travels.
Fernandes expressed that our team has a tendency to give up unfortunate goals. We had numerous opportunities to score another goal and secure the win, but we were not efficient enough.
“We must maintain control during our games. This is not the first time we have faced a similar situation. We must learn from our previous game against Copenhagen, where we had a 3-2 lead, and be more strategic in managing the game. Each individual must step up and take accountability for their errors.”
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United had a tense period of uncertainty as they awaited the results of Copenhagen’s match against Bayern Munich in Group A. A victory for Copenhagen would have eliminated United from the competition. Ultimately, the game ended in a 0-0 tie, allowing United to still have a chance at qualifying for the last 16. However, in order for them to do so, they must win against Bayern at their home stadium in the final group game on December 12th and hope that Copenhagen draws against Galatasaray in their home match.
Source: theguardian.com
