Erik ten Hag issues warning to Man Utd players as "big miss" highlighted

06 May 2023 , 02:00

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Manchester United's away day issues were again exposed, this time at Brighton, with a top four spot not yet guaranteed.

The Red Devils went down to a stoppage time penalty, which has allowed Liverpool to close the gap. A return to the Champions League, coupled with the silverware they've already won, would represent a promising first season under Erik ten Hag.

They remain in pole position to secure fourth spot and enjoy a generous set of fixtures with their final five games all against teams in the bottom half. They head to West Ham on Sunday looking to pick up their eighth away win of the season and take a major step back towards Europe's top table.

Here's the latest news from Old Trafford.

Ten Hag issues warning

Ten Hag has warned it is “vital” for United’s long term future to get into the Champions League next season.

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United are still favourites to make the top four but Liverpool ’s five game winning run has suddenly left ten Hag looking over his shoulder.‌ Liverpool, who face Brentford on Saturday tea time, could even reduce the gap to a single point by the time United face West Ham on Sunday night.

Ten Hag insists his players will get over the line and get the job done but he spelt out the reasons as to why it is so important that Old Trafford hosts Champions League football next season.

United's "big miss"

Jamie Redknapp has slammed United's away record and believes Christian Eriksen was a "big miss" after they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Brighton on Thursday.

The Red Devils were second best at the Amex Stadium; although it took until the 99th-minute for Brighton to grab a winner. Alexis Mac Allister struck from the penalty spot to seal a vital three points for the Seagulls. Ten Hag cut a frustrated figure after the game as the Red Devils continued their dreadful away run against top-half teams.

They have now won one of their nine away matches against sides currently inside the top-10, with their only victory coming against Fulham back in November. Ex-Tottenham midfielder Redknapp criticised the Red Devils but also pointed out Eriksen's absence as a huge concern - after the Dane dropped to the bench.

Weghorst to leave

Ten Hag has decided not to offer Wout Weghorst a permanent deal at Old Trafford after growing frustrated over his lack of goals since signing in January.

Eyebrows were raised when the Dutch striker arrived on loan, despite his impressive World Cup cameo where he scored twice in a quarter final defeat against Argentina. But billed as a short-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, the 30-year-old has struggled to make an impact at United.

He did start their League Cup final win over Newcastle in February, duly winning his first senior honour. But the former Wolfsburg man has scored just twice in 26 appearances in all competitions, with neither of those strikes coming in the Premier League.