Manager Erik ten Hag apologized to the fans and admitted that Man Utd are in a bad situation after the 0-3 defeat to Newcastle in the League Cup round of 16.
"We know that performance wasn't good enough," Ten Hag said in the post-match press conference at Old Trafford. "We have to take responsibility for that. I have to take responsibility for that. I have to apologize to the fans because our performance was below standard and we have to improve."
Manchester United easily beat Newcastle 2-0 in the League Cup final at Wembley last season thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Casemiro. But the "Red Devils" showed a lackluster performance in the return match at Old Trafford on November 1st.
Manchester United players were disappointed after their 0-3 home defeat to Newcastle at Old Trafford in the League Cup round of 16. Photo: Reuters
The home team controlled 62% of the possession but didn't create many clear chances, and their defense was shaky. In the 28th minute, following a loss by Alejandro Garnacho, Valentino Livramento played a through pass to Miguel Almiron, who shielded the ball from Diogo Dalot before shooting diagonally past Andre Onana. In the 36th minute, Harry Maguire made a mistake with a poor header clearance, allowing Lewis Hall to volley diagonally into the inside corner of the post to double the lead. In the second half, the Man Utd defense allowed Joe Willock to comfortably dribble past the penalty area before firing a low shot into the right corner to seal the 3-0 victory.
Last weekend, Man Utd also lost 0-3 to Man City in the 10th round of the Premier League at Old Trafford. This was the first time the "Red Devils" had lost two consecutive home games by three goals or more since October 1962, and they also suffered their heaviest home defeat against Newcastle since a 4-7 loss in September 1930. Man also suffered their eighth defeat in the first 15 games of the season, their worst opening run since nine defeats in 1972, and they have also lost five of their first ten home games since the 1930-1931 season.
"I will continue to fight," Ten Hag emphasized. "Right now, we are in a bad situation. I understand that when we don't get good results, doubts will arise. But I am confident I can turn things around. I have done it at every club, and I did it last year as well."
Manager Ten Hag directs Manchester United players during their 0-3 defeat to Newcastle in the Round of 16 of the English League Cup at Old Trafford. Photo: Reuters
The Dutch coach emphasized that Man Utd has a quality squad, there are no excuses, and they need to continue to be united, show a strong mentality, raise standards, and rise together. "You gain confidence when you get good results. That can only be achieved when you follow the rules, principles, fight, and win," Ten Hag stated. "You have to do it as a team. The only way is to stick together, but you have to be disciplined, everyone has to cooperate and take responsibility."
Ten Hag revealed that Casemiro was injured and was replaced by Sofyan Amrabat after halftime. The 53-year-old coach doesn't know how long the Brazilian midfielder will be out, but he will certainly miss the away match against Fulham in the 11th round of the Premier League on November 4th.
Hong Duy
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