Erik ten Hag says some Man United players did not give 100% against Spurs

LONDON – Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said that some of his players did not give 100 per cent against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday after they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 in the Premier League.

Goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford had put United 2-0 up at half-time but Pedro Porro and Son Heung-min struck to salvage a draw for Spurs.

Ten Hag said his team’s hectic schedule was a factor but added that it cannot be used as an excuse for the draw, which kept them fourth on 60 points, two points behind Newcastle United, who have played a game more.

“The time (between games) is enough to recover. We have to demand our players to be ready. Today we were not ready. Some thought 90 per cent was enough. And then we lost focus,” said the United boss, who has previously spoken about mentality issues in his team when it comes to setbacks.

“That’s why we give goals away. We did not do our jobs in positioning. The goals we conceded were too easy and we could have avoided them.

“We also weren’t clinical enough and I think we had to score more.”

United had travelled to Tottenham four days after defeating Brighton and Hove Albion in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, a match that they won on penalties following 120 minutes of play. They also played at Sevilla in the Europa League last week.

“I know they are not robots and it is a tough schedule. But when you are playing for Man United and playing away, you have to give everything on every occasion,” ten Hag added.

Following United’s brilliant first half, Tottenham came out after the break rejuvenated and could have even won the game if they had not missed several good chances.

Spurs interim manager Ryan Mason praised his team’s character after they bounced back from a 6-1 thrashing at Newcastle.

“In football, you win, lose, draw, but the most important thing is that we are united and act as a team,” he said after his first game in charge in his second spell as interim boss.

“Pleased with the reaction. In the second half, we were outstanding, with the character we showed after last Sunday and going two goals down tonight.

“I hope the fans can see that we were a team today and we ran for each other. In the second half we could have scored a lot more. I have a team that are willing to fight.”

Son, meanwhile, said their comeback was driven by anger after an “unacceptable” performance last time out.

“Today we wanted to bring a good energy,” he said. AFP