Erik ten Hag reveals Man Utd’s result this season he ‘completely ignored’

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has made the puzzling admission that he is “completely ignoring” his side’s 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of September.

Spurs dominated United and took an early lead after Micky van de Ven shot through half of the hosts’ lineup before passing the ball to Brennan Johnson. Bruno Fernandes was sent off just before half-time for a tackle on James Maddison before Spurs scored two more goals after the break.

The VAR did not overrule the on-field referee, but the United captain’s claim he slipped while tackling was overturned by the Football Association on appeal.

Ten Hag has not moved on. “I am denying this game, ignoring the game against Spurs because we were reduced to ten players with a 1-0 defeat,” the Dutch coach told the assembled media on Thursday evening, almost a month after the encounter at Old Trafford. “And then the red card was revoked. That’s why I completely ignore this game.”

“It’s not a fair assessment of the team to consider this because we had no chance of getting back on our feet.”

Ten Hag’s argument is certainly justified. The successful red card appeal suggests Fernandes should not have been sent off, unfairly penalizing United for more than half of the defeat to Spurs. However, Tottenham were comfortably at the top even when United had eleven players on the pitch.

Postecoglou said at the time: “Your red card is a consequence of our dominance. We put so much pressure on them that they couldn’t really get out of their half.”

Ten Hag was also keen to praise United’s “fighting spirit” when parity in numbers was assured. “But you see, this team is resilient, this team is determined,” the coach stressed after overseeing a 1-1 draw against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League.

“Against Brentford, now two difficult away games in Europe – Porto and again today.” [against Fenerbahce] “This team has character and this team has shown fighting spirit and determination to win games.”

The Red Devils will need this mental strength when they travel to West Ham United’s London Stadium on Sunday lunchtime. Manchester United have won just two of their last 17 Premier League trips to the English capital – both times against Fulham.

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