Erik ten Hag does not consider last month's defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in his assessment of Manchester United's development. 'That wouldn’t be fair,' said the Dutch manager ahead of the away match against West Ham United.
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United’s recent 0-3 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford marked one of the more challenging moments in Erik ten Hag’s tenure.
Spurs capitalized on every opportunity, returning to North London with a commanding victory that sparked criticism and raised questions about United’s defensive and tactical vulnerabilities. However, Ten Hag, addressing the press this week, dismissed the match as an unfair metric for assessing his team’s development. He explained that the context of the match including controversial officiating and subsequent reversals prevented United from mounting a fair fightback.
“When we were down 0-1, we had to continue with ten men. Then the red card was overturned,” Ten Hag said, alluding to the contentious decision regarding Bruno Fernandes’s dismissal. Fernandes, the team captain and a crucial player in midfield, was shown a red card mid-match, forcing United to play a man down in a challenging tactical situation. The FA later reversed the decision, acknowledging that the red card was unwarranted and ultimately did not warrant a suspension. For Ten Hag, this sequence of events undercut United’s ability to respond and play their usual game, and he sees it as an isolated incident that should not be held against his squad’s progress.
“It wouldn’t be fair to judge the team based on that match,” Ten Hag asserted. For him, what matters more is the resilience and spirit his team has demonstrated throughout the season, both in the Premier League and in European competition. He highlighted the team’s determination, pointing to the recent match against Brentford, where United displayed a comeback spirit and cohesion. “This team is resilient,” Ten Hag continued. “Determined, as we saw against Brentford. Even in tough European away games, this team has shown character and fighting spirit.”
Ten Hag’s comments reflect his belief in his squad’s ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity. Under his guidance, United has gradually cultivated a reputation for resilience, particularly in challenging matches where the stakes are high. This resilience will be tested again on Sunday as they head to London for an away match against West Ham United.
The upcoming fixture against West Ham is crucial for United, who are seeking to regain momentum and secure valuable points. However, one of West Ham's key players, Mohammed Kudus, will not be available due to a suspension following his red card against Spurs. Without Kudus, Ten Hag’s team may face slightly less offensive pressure, although he acknowledged that West Ham still has a formidable squad. One player Ten Hag will encounter is Edson Álvarez, a talented midfielder whose aggressive style and tactical intelligence make him a key figure in West Ham’s lineup. Álvarez’s presence poses an intriguing challenge for Ten Hag, who will need to devise a midfield strategy capable of countering Álvarez’s influence on the game.
As United prepare for this next test, Ten Hag’s focus remains on building a team that can consistently demonstrate resilience and tactical flexibility, qualities he deems essential for success in both domestic and European competition. The manager is looking beyond isolated setbacks, focusing instead on the long-term development and mentality of his players. With key players returning to form and a renewed determination within the squad, United is poised to tackle West Ham with a mindset focused on progression, growth, and the pursuit of victory.
Updated: 10:15, 26 Oct 2024
