‘Manchester United have worst schedule’ – Ten Hag

PREMIER LEAGUE ‘Manchester United have worst schedule’ – Ten Hag

Kiplagat Sang 07:30 - 28.04.2023

Tottenham Hotspur completed a comeback in Ryan Mason's first game back as interim manager.

Erik ten Hag has claimed Manchester United have the worst schedule this season.

Ten Hag’s statement comes after United threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 against Tottenham Hotspur during Thursday’s Premier League clash in London. Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford had put United in front, but the home side fought back and equalized through Pedro Porro and Song Heung-Min.

The Red Devils played for 120 minutes on Sunday during an FA Cup semi-final match against Brighton before they travelled to London for the Spurs’ clash.

"We have the worst schedule also in the Premier League, that will not change," said Ten Hag when asked if tiredness played was a factor had an impact on them.

"You have to take that. You can't use it as an excuse. The time is enough time to recover, so our players are in demand to be ready. Today [Thursday], they were not ready."

Apart from the tight schedule, Ten Hag also analysed what went wrong for them as they failed to collect all points despite taking a healthy lead at half-time.

"We thought 90 percent cent is enough, that's why we gave balls away. And when you don't do your job in positioning, you concede goals," he added.

"After half time there was a difference, we lost control because we are not all secure. Then you have to go into the fight. When you lose the battles, don't have possession and don't have chances you concede goals. That's what happened. Then you have to be satisfied and take that point.

"It has to be [100 per cent]. You have to bring it every time. I know that they are not robots, and it's a tough schedule. But we can't accept it when you are playing for Manchester United and you are wearing this shirt."

The Dutchman made four substitutions when they were 2-1 up, but the changes had little impact. Anthony Martial, Fred, Wout Weghorst, and Tyrell Malacia had little impact as the home side fought and equalized to force a share of the spoils.

"I prepared the subs already before 2-1, you could see that goal coming," Ten Hag defended the changes.

"You bring on Fred, [who has] energy, one who can win the ball. On Sunday [against Brighton], he was brilliant in that.

"You bring Martial, who can keep the ball. You then bring Rashy [Rashford], Antony, and Bruno [Fernandes], making runs behind. That was the idea."

United have now failed to win any of their matches away at the top seven this season.