Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has apologized to the club’s supporters for his side’s pathetic performance in Saturday’s (13 August) 4-0 defeat by Brentford and claimed the players had the plans in place before the game placed “garbage can”.
United, the 20-time English champions, are bottom of the Premier League table for the first time in 30 years after ten Hag started his first season in charge with back-to-back defeats after losing to Brighton last week .
“Brentford was hungrier,” the Dutchman told reporters. “We conceded goals from individual mistakes. You can’t have a tactical plan and then throw it away.”
United last won the Premier League title nine years ago in Alex Ferguson’s final season as manager and the club appear further than ever from returning to their place in England’s elite footballing league.
Brentford had seeded the game well before half-time as Josh Dasilva, Mathias Jensen, Ben Mee and Bryan Mbuemo all scored for Thomas Frank’s side by the 35th minute.
“It’s difficult for me,” said Ten Hag. “It’s always a surprise when you start a game like this.
“After 35 minutes we conceded four goals. It’s not possible. The team has to take responsibility, I’m really sorry for the fans who did everything to support us, we let them down.”
The former Ajax Amsterdam manager took the blame for the defeat but also urged his players to show more confidence and be more united.
“They are good players and they have to take responsibility on the pitch, as a team and as individuals, and we didn’t do that,” he said.
“I asked them to play with conviction and take responsibility for their performance and they didn’t do that.
“Only if we stick together and work hard will we overcome this. You have to believe in the pitch for yourself and for the team.
“Don’t get me wrong, the manager is also responsible, he has primary responsibility and I take that on. And I will work on it. I have to give them faith, but they have to give it themselves.”