Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has refuted implications of a discipline problem in his team, following Bruno Fernandes’ second red card in consecutive games against Porto, as well as Tottenham over the past week. This comes despite Fernandes’ red card from the Tottenham match being overturned following an appeal to the Football Association.
In their 3-0 loss to Spurs, Fernandes was directly issued a red card, and United was shown five additional yellow ones during the match at Old Trafford. Fernandes also received two yellow cards while on home ground in Portugal midweek, both due to a high boot. The second was issued while playing against central defender Nehuén Pérez as Fernandes attempted to score near Porto’s goal in a Europa League match. Despite being down 3-2 at the time, United managed a 3-3 draw thanks to a last-minute header from Harry Maguire.
Regarding the card from the Spurs game that was overturned, Ten Hag stated, “So they acknowledge there was an error on Sunday and I would suggest he was exceptionally unfortunate against Porto.” He further defended Fernandes stating, “He committed fully to scoring a goal. He was in the suitable spot and was taken by surprise by a player from his blind side. Therefore, I wouldn’t classify it as ill-disciplined.”
In the match at the Estádio do Dragão, the team started strong with a two-goal advantage thanks to strikes from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund. However, subsequent goals from Pepê and Samu within seven minutes of the first half lead to scrutiny of United’s structural discipline. In response, Ten Hag acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “Certainly, we must progress in this aspect.” However, he also defended the team’s discipline in the initial stages of the game. He concluded, “I wouldn’t deem it solely as a lack of discipline, but we undoubtedly need to improve. We’ll definitely be focusing on this.”
Just five minutes into the second half, United allowed Samu to score his second goal. However, Maguire, who played as a replacement, salvaged a draw later in the game. Subsequently, he expressed that the team’s failure to maintain a two-goal lead revealed a mindset problem within the squad. When queried about what this mental issue is, Ten Hag commented, “It encompasses a variety of subjects and you have to approach it properly. This team believes that they never give up. They exhibit a wide range of positives in their mental attitude and are mentally tough, but they need to elevate their game in other aspects.”
United will face Aston Villa on Sunday, and Ten Hag’s role will continue to be under investigation. He suggested that the squad still needs time to grow, citing the recent incorporation of Manuel Ugarte – who did not get a game against Porto – as an example. He said, speaking about Ugarte’s engagement, “We sought to assign the number 6 position for this season, but he requires time to acclimatise. I understand in high-level football, immediate performance is the expectation, but that’s not always feasible. He needs to become familiarised with our strategic blueprint, his fellow players, and the Premier League’s intensity.”
“We’ve got other places where we need some time. However, I am pleased with the return of Rasmus Højlund. He was unable to play during the initial two months of the season. Hopefully, he’s now in shape. His fitness is steadily increasing, and if he can maintain this throughout the season, it will assist us.”
“We have more fields in which we can improve, undoubtedly. We’ll then take stock of our position at the season’s end.”
When asked about his future with the club, Ten Hag dismissed such queries. He said, “I’m not preoccupied with such matters because they’re not pertinent. We’re all in this together – the ownership, the management, the squad, the staff.”
Kobbie Mainoo was unable to accompany the team to Porto due to an injury and could also miss the upcoming match at Villa Park. Ten Hag commented, “We need to judge whether he will be able to play on Sunday, either starting the game or from the bench.” — according to the Guardian