Erik ten Hag rues Manchester United horror show in Europa League defeat to Sevilla - ‘We have to blame ourselves’
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Updated 21/04/2023 at 10:46 GMT
The Dutchman gave an honest assessment of a torrid night for his Manchester United side in Andalusia. It was a case of what might have been as defensive disaster gifted Sevilla two goals, sending the Spaniards through to the semi-finals. The Red Devils now have one more chance to claim a second trophy of the season in the FA Cup, as they prepare to take on Brighton at Wembley this Sunday.
Ten Hag blasts Man Utd players after 'unacceptable’ defeat at Sevilla
Erik ten Hag was left to rue a disastrous evening for Manchester United after a defensive horror show gifted Sevilla a 3-0 win on the night to dump his side out of the Europa League.
It was a night to forget for Harry Maguire and David de Gea in particular, as Youssef En-Nesyri’s brace and a goal from Loic Bade sealed a comprehensive win for the Spaniards.
Sevilla moved ahead on the night when En-Nesyri intercepted a pass from Maguire after being played into trouble by De Gea, while the United shot-stopper made a horrible clanger to gift the Moroccan his second of the match.
Ten Hag told BT Sport: "We have to do better, that's the demand. We were not composed, not calm. We didn't beat the press, when you do there are so many spaces behind, and it was obvious at the start how to do it.
"We lost the battles, they had more passion, more desire, more willingness, that's difficult to win games.
"We can't run away from it. On Sunday we have another opportunity and have to step up and show more character and personality.”
The Red Devils were without Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane for the match in Andalusia, but the Dutchman refused to pin the blame on the duo’s absence for a dismal display.
"It's not about them [the players they were missing], it's about the players on the pitch,” added Ten Hag, who will look to lift his side for an FA Cup semi-final with Brighton on Sunday. "They have to perform; I believe in them and trust them but they have to show it and they were not good enough.
"We have shown on so many occasions good things, but tonight we weren't ready for the game. At this level, playing for Manchester United, you have to be ready for every game.
"This was a great opportunity, a great occasion, to win something and we gave it away - we have to blame ourselves. It's gone, we can't change it. We have to look forward to Sunday, that's the next opportunity."
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