Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag criticised his team for letting Tottenham off the hook as they surrendered a two-goal in their crucial Champions League qualification clash.
Leading 2-0 at half-time courtesy of goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, the visitors conceded twice through Pedro Porro and Heung-min Son as Spurs launched a stirring comeback.
‘Some thought 90 percent was enough,’ said Ten Hag.
‘I know they are not robots and fatigue is an issue but you have to give it everything on every occasion. That is the basis.
‘We took a bit of the gas off and that was our problem. I think it’s been that for a few games where we are sharp and coming ahead and [haven’t] kept it going.
Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag criticised his team for letting Tottenham off the hook
Jadon Sancho (right) opened the scoring after just seven minutes on Thursday evening
Marcus Rashford doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time with a well taken effort
‘We are disappointed – we were 2-0 up. We had the chances to make it 3-1 which we didn’t take.
‘We were not good over the 90 minutes, we did not play brilliant. After half-time, being up 2-0, we had to score another goal.
‘We have to manage the game and keep the ball. Not give the ball away so easily, the goal was quite obvious.
‘We have to block the crosses, we have to be proactive and come out and we didn’t squeeze out. It was so easy for them, easy for them to score a goal.
‘We need energy and we have to be ready for Sunday (against Aston Villa). But in the end, good draw.’
Ryan Mason, taking charge of his first game as caretaker boss, paid tribute to his side’s fight back.
Fernandes started for United despite injury concerns in the last few days
Pedro Porro got one back for the hosts on 55 minutes to set up a well-contested second half
Son Heung-min scored the equaliser in the 79th minute to earn the hosts a late point
‘I’m pleased with the reaction. Second half we were outstanding, the character shown. I’m very happy and I hope our fans felt we were a team today; run and fought for each other. Perfectly honest, I thought we could have scored more.
‘They caused us problems in the first half but we caused them problems as well. We had our moments and sometimes in football goals change games, and when they opened the scoring maybe some doubts in the players heads [crept in].
‘But they kept going and I felt they were brave and aggressive in the second half.
‘I have heard a lot of talk about a lack of character, I know I have got men. When they pull together they are a team. That’s my job to get inside of them and make sure that every time we go onto the pitch we act as a team.’
Mason and Son embraced and Spurs finally showed the steel and backbone they’ve missed.
source: dailymail.co.uk
