LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Erik ten Hag has reportedly scolded Manchester United players for not adhering to his regulations in a close 3-2 loss to Borussia Dortmund during the preseason.
Manchester United lost to Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in Las Vegas in the team’s final preseason game of their tour of the United States.
Some of the players that came off the bench in the second half disappointed manager Ten Hag, who said they disobeyed his tactical instructions and gave a lacklustre performance as a result.
Post-match, the Dutch manager spoke to club media: “Yeah, [the game was] two parts, the first hour was good, playing as a team, lot of dynamic, good pressing.
“So it was really enjoyable to see, and that’s what I wanted to say at half-time, but all of a sudden, they give two goals away… The last half an hour, it was bad, a poor performance.
“They didn’t follow the rules at all, not in pressing, not in building up or when attacking. They were 11 individuals on the pitch.
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“That’s not us, we have to keep control, keep responsibility on the ball, and it was the same for the 3-2. That can’t happen, and it’s unforgivable, even if it’s a friendly.”
The players’ dissatisfaction with Ten Hag’s tactical directives serves as a reminder of the value of teamwork and discipline, especially during pre-season friendly.
The team’s focus and ability to function as a cohesive unit will likely be emphasized by the manager as the new season draws near.
The Red Devils’ preseason tour of the United States is now over, and they will focus on friendlies against RC Lens and Athletic Bilbao before preparing for the forthcoming Premier League season, which starts on 14 August with a visit from Wolverhampton Wanderers.