Ten Hag: 'Man Utd must understand the importance of the opening goal'

Before the match against Aston Villa in round 19 of the Premier League, coach Erik ten Hag said that Man Utd still played well, created enough opportunities, but needed to take advantage better to gain the advantage.

"We have to understand the importance of the opening goal, especially when we are in control like we were against West Ham," Ten Hag said at a press conference on December 25. "But against Aston Villa it is a different game. They are a strong team and are in very good form. So you have to create chances and take them if you want to win. That is clear."

Against West Ham last weekend, Man Utd did not dominate, but had chances to take the lead. Antony passed the ball to Alejandro Garnacho into the box, but the Argentine player put his foot down and could not beat goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. After that, Man Utd had to pay the price, allowing Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus to score, thereby accepting their eighth defeat in the Premier League.

Garnarcho squandered a chance in Man Utd's 0-2 loss at West Ham in round 18 of the Premier League on December 23. Photo: Reuters — Garnarcho squandered a chance in Man Utd's 0-2 loss at West Ham in round 18 of the Premier League on December 23. Photo: *Reuters*

The "Red Devils" also extended their winless streak to four matches, losing 0-2 to West Ham, 0-3 to Bournemouth, drawing 0-0 with Liverpool in the Premier League and losing 0-1 to Bayern in the Champions League. This is also the first time Man Utd have failed to score in four consecutive matches in 31 years.

Ten Hag also refused to blame the players' attitude and took responsibility for the recent series of poor matches, calling on the whole team to unite to overcome the difficult period. "We know what the standards are at Man Utd," the 53-year-old coach expressed. "We have to win as a team, and that responsibility belongs to the whole team. Every individual has to contribute to that responsibility."

Asked about his message to the fans on Boxing Day, Ten Hag replied: "I'm sure they are disappointed and we have to put things right. We appreciate the fact that they have always supported us, even when we have had bad results this season. Me and the team have to win for them."

The Dutch coach revealed that Amad Diallo has been back in training for the past two weeks and could return to Old Trafford with Raphael Varane today. He confirmed that Anthony Martial will remain absent because he is not yet at his best and refused to talk about the possibility of selling the French striker when the transfer window opens.

Ten Hag also explained why he gave 19-year-old centre-back Willy Kambwala a chance to start against West Ham because other top centre-backs such as Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane were all injured or ill. The Dutch coach was impressed with Kambwala's performance in training sessions with the first team and matches with the U21 team, and believes his student has the skills and potential to become a top centre-back.

Hong Duy

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