Erik ten Hag questioned Manchester United’s “mentality” after they opened their Europa League campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Twente.
Ten Hag, who began his coaching career at Twente having made 234 appearances for the club as a player, was left frustrated by United’s failure to close out the game after taking a one-goal lead in the first half.
Christian Eriksen opened the scoring for United 10 minutes before half-time but the midfielder was later caught in possession, allowing Sam Lammers to equalise for the Dutch side. Twente are the lowest-ranked team based on UEFA’s coefficient that United will play at Old Trafford in the Europa League.
“It was the game of their life, they fought for every yard and we didn’t,” Ten Hag said after the match.
“99 per cent is not enough, you have to give 100 per cent, you have to kill the game and finish it off. We are leading 1-0 but you have to go for the second goal, then you kill the game.”
Ten Hag described his side as “too easy going” and “too complacent” with Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford missing opportunities to win the game late on.
He continued: “We have to be more clinical in such situations. I don’t think tonight was the only problem. We have to keep going, being consistent, that is also a question of mentality.
“(The) mentality is very good from this team. I saw how in many games how high our work rate is, but today I have some criticism.
“But it is not only the team, I have to look in the mirror as well. I am part of it.”
United, 11th in the table with seven points from their opening five Premier League fixtures, are next in action against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
They continue their Europa League campaign against Porto next Thursday.
(James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
