Erik ten Hag says some of Manchester United’s defending was ‘unacceptable’ as his side lost to Cadiz in their mid-season friendly.
A mostly second-string United side who were looking to impress their manager did exactly the opposite in Spain on Wednesday night, as they were defeated 4-2 by the La Liga minnows.
The Red Devils were especially awful in the opening 15 minutes as they conceded two poor goals, with Martin Dubravka, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Brandon Williams looking very off the pace.
While a level of rustiness could be accepted given the lack of game time the players have had this season, with outcast right-back Wan-Bissaka playing just four minutes under Ten Hag so far, it was still a very poor display.
‘It’s quite clear we were not awake, we were asleep in the first 15 minutes,’ the manager told MUTV post-match.
‘They were a threat in transition. In the second goal we were not awake, a bad rest defence – especially in the midfield, we got ran off. It’s not possible, unacceptable.
‘The first goal as well, a set play, bad organisation and discipline, you concede a goal. After that, we came in the game, but couldn’t make the equaliser before half-time.
‘The first 15 minutes cannot happen and it should not happen. That is not our standard. We will speak tomorrow. Draw a line and move on because this can’t happen in the future.
Ten Hag made 10 changes at half-time, with youngsters coming on to replace the more experienced players and there was a notable improvement though not enough to prevent the defeat.
‘We are unhappy with this game. Of course, you always have some positives even when you lose, but today there are more negatives,’ Ten Hag added.
‘They gave energy. They run, they fight. Maybe not always in the right organisation, they make mistakes but they are not used to playing at this level.
‘So it was a good lesson that when you make small mistakes they can have big consequences. That’s what happened and you lose the game.’
United have one more friendly before the end of the World Cup against Real Betis on Saturday.
Their first competitive match after Qatar 2022 will be on December 21st against Burnley in the Carabao Cup.
MORE : Man Utd defence implodes as Erik ten Hag’s side suffer 4-2 thumping by Spanish side Cadiz in friendly
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