Ten Hag calls for ruthlessness

Erik ten Hag has called on his Manchester United squad to be more ruthless, after Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace ended a nine-game winning run.

We started in fine form under the Selhurst Park floodlights, controlling the game with energy and composure in midfield. Bruno Fernandes’s excellent opener just before half-time was deserved reward, but we waned after the break and the home side delivered an injury-time blow through Michael Olise’s brilliant free-kick.

Ten Hag watched on as we produced 15 shots at Vicente Guaita’s goal, but just four were on target during a game of small margins. The boss gave his take on the contest and other talking points to Sky Sports…

CONTROL OF THE GAME

“I think we controlled the game, scored a good goal in the first half. I wouldn’t say it was a top, top performance, but it was okay, [we were] in control.” 

DE GEA’S WONDER SAVE

“A great save. I think that was the only chance Crystal Palace produced. I think we had a couple of good opportunities and we scored a great goal. In the second half, I think it was the same: we had control of the game, but I think we have to invest more for the second. If you then score [for] 2-0, the game is over. Now you get hammered with an unlucky moment in the end.

“If you concede a goal two minutes, or one minute, before [the end], then it’s difficult to react, though we had a chance to score for 2-1 with Casemiro. But that’s what it is and we have to take the lesson. [We needed to] invest more for the second goal.”

WEGHORST’S DEBUT

 “I think he did quite well. I think of course he has to make adjustments to his game, to our game – he doesn’t know our way of play. It was a really short briefing to bring him in. Less training, no games, so [it was the] first time [he had] a couple of days here. I think he did quite well in all the elements of football.”

CASEMIRO SUSPENDED FOR ARSENAL

“I think it’s what you say: it’s instinctive. He went for the ball, I think he missed the ball but it’s quite clear it was also a situation on our right side that could have been a dangerous situation. He wants to stop it himself and that was his reaction. It’s quite clear. As I’ve said, if we invest more for the second goal then you don’t come into such situations. Last time we beat Arsenal without Casemiro, so this time we have to do the same.”

LOOKING FOR A REACTION AT ARSENAL

“It’s happened, you can’t change this any more. I just said in the dressing room: we’re looking forward. Get energy, look to Arsenal and we will make a proper plan. [The] players have to make sure they are ready for that game because it’s a top game and it’s fantastic to play such games, so we are looking forward.”