(Reuters) – Manchester United were guilty again in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle United in the Premier League but manager Erik ten Hag was delighted his players matched the physicality of their opponents.
Ten Hag criticized his side’s Europa League final against Omonia Nicosia on Thursday, when Scott McTominay’s injury-time goal gave the Cypriots a 1-0 win.
Marcus Rashford and Fred left late chances on Sunday for the hosts, who are fifth in the league, three points behind Chelsea in fourth.
“We are disappointed that we didn’t win as the performance was good,” said Ten Hag. “One goal against, we pressed well from front to back and controlled it.
“We were a bit unpredictable in the first half. You see a physical team like Newcastle, at least we have achieved them. In the end we could have won and we deserved it.
“It’s a big compliment to the team that we deserved it with a physical performance against what is perhaps the physically best team in the league.
“In the end we broke them but didn’t kill them by not scoring,” added the Dutchman. “So I’m happy with the performance but disappointed with the result.”