Erik ten Hag makes clear who is to blame for Man Utd's implosion at Galatasaray

29 November 2023 , 20:54

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Erik ten Hag makes clear who is to blame for Man Utd's implosion at Galatasaray

Erik ten Hag refused to blame Andre Onana after Manchester United blew a two-goal lead against Galatasaray... and instead insisted that HE was responsible.

The Red Devils headed to Istanbul knowing that they needed a win to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase alive after losing three of their opening four games in Group A. However, United blew their chance thanks to another error-strewn performance from Onana.

He was rooted to the spot when Hakim Ziyech rifled home a free-kick to halve the hosts' deficit following early goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes. Scott McTominay restored United's two-goal advantage before Onana fumbled a second Ziyech effort into his own net to buoy Galatasaray. Kerem Akturkoglu scored a third soon after to cap a miserable night for United.

The brunt of fans tore into Onana on social media, blaming him for United's precarious position in the Champions League. The 27-year-old had made errors in previous games - but Ten Hag opted to take responsibility instead of throwing Onana under the bus.

Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, the United chief said: "We were winning and then we're losing it. We should have taken three points, that's clear. We did this in other games.

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"I was pleased with how we played but at the same time I have to criticise the team because the defending is not good enough. We are leading 3-1 and we cannot afford mistakes as it makes a difference.

Join the debate! What did you make of Onana's performance v Galatasaray? Let us know here.

Erik ten Hag insisted he was to blame for Manchester United's implosion against Galatasaray (TNT Sports)

"Every goal has its own story. Whether it's a transition moment and we don't block the middle or the second goal which is a free-kick and the third goal we are organised but have an overload. That cannot happen. We have to learn from that.

"I am very pleased because you see the style of this team which is pro-active, dynamic and brave. I was pleased with the performance because we created so many chances but at the same time we have to win this game."

When Ten Hag was when pressed on who was to blame for throwing the game away, he replied: "It's always me. I am responsible for this. We know we are in a project. We are making improvements so that's very hopeful. We are going in the right direction so I know we will be successful in the long-term but if you want to stay in the Champions League you need to win these games."

Dan Marsh