‘We have many problems’

Published 06/05/2024 at 22:10 GMT

Manchester United lost their 13th league game of the season when they were routed 4-0 by Crystal Palace on Monday evening at Selhurst Park. United’s chances of getting European football next season look increasingly slim, and their manager Erik ten Hag admitted there were a number of faults with the side, though he would not comment on his future as he comes under increasing pressure.Erik ten Hag

Image credit: Getty Images

United were once again defensively vulnerable, and they conceded two goals in each half as they failed to resist their opponents.

Losing to Palace is their 13th league defeat, their worst in the history of the Premier League, and it was the third time United have lost by four goals or more away from home in the league under Ten Hag.

The loss means the Red Devils are now even further away from claiming European football for next season, and with Harry Maguire out injured alongside Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez, there is no end in sight to their defensive struggles.

Ten Hag was already under pressure before the match, with new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe ringing the changes in the background, and speculation that the Dutchman will be sacked before or during the summer will now intensify.

Speaking after the match, Ten Hag said: “As Man Utd we should perform better. The players who were available should do better.

“It’s a deserved defeat. The performance wasn’t what we expected.

“We can’t focus on just one player [Casemiro]. We have to focus on the team performance. This was not right.

“We have to put it right on Sunday. We have to learn from this game and improve.

“I was really grateful [to the fans]. They back us. They see also we have our problems. You have to stick together. You have to take responsibility. The fans gave us such huge and tremendous support.”

Ten Hag was asked about his future, but he would not be drawn on the matter, saying: “I don’t think about this. I prepare the team in the best way I can. We have many problems. The only focus I have is to perform better with my team.

“I think only about making my team better.”

United have three matches left to play in the league before they come up against their bitter rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

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