Erik ten Hag wants Man Utd response in FA Cup after Fulham defeat in Premier League - ‘It was unacceptable’

Erik ten Hag has called for a response from his side after Fulham brought Manchester United’s four-game Premier League winning streak to a halt with a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.

It looked like United had salvaged a point when Harry Maguire equalised in the 89th minute but Alex Iwobi struck the winner deep into stoppage time.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana faced 17 shots on his goal as United slipped eight points adrift of the UEFA Champions League spots and Ten Hag questioned the commitment of his players after an underwhelming display.

“I wasn't pleased with the defensive performance, especially down the left side and that has everything to do with willingness, spirit and passion,” he said. “That was good in previous weeks, therefore we won football games.

“Footballers are not robots, sometimes they have bad days. It was unacceptable and we have to do better tomorrow.”

Up next for United is a trip to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday.

It is the last realistic chance for silverware in an otherwise disappointing campaign but Ten Hag insisted the approach remains the same as he plans to steer The Red Devils back to their former glory.

“We were unbeaten in January and February and we lost one game. It was a poor performance and defeat, we are aware,” he added. “We want to stay in every competition.

“We have to win tomorrow. It doesn't change our approach - that is for every game.

“I know the future. But I look at today, we work on the team development and try to win every game. We look forward to the longer term.”

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