Ten Hag Points Fingers: Evans, Rashford, and Sancho Blamed for Crushing Defeat
In the aftermath of today’s disappointing defeat, Manchester United’s manager Erik ten Hag didn’t mince his words. The Dutchman singled out three of his key players—Jonny Evans, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho—as the primary culprits for the team’s lackluster performance.
The match, which saw United suffer a humiliating loss, left fans and pundits alike questioning the team’s tactics and cohesion. However, Ten Hag’s post-match comments made it clear where he believed the blame lay.
Evans Struggles Under Pressure
Veteran defender Jonny Evans, who was re-signed by Manchester United in a surprising move, found himself under intense scrutiny. Evans, once a reliable presence in United’s backline, seemed off the pace today, making several costly errors that contributed to the opposition’s goals.
Ten Hag was particularly critical of Evans’ positioning and decision-making during the match. “Jonny has the experience, but today, his performance was not up to the standards we expect at Manchester United,” Ten Hag stated. “His mistakes were crucial in us conceding those goals.”
Rashford’s Ineffectiveness Up Front
Marcus Rashford, usually one of United’s most potent attacking threats, was another player who drew Ten Hag’s ire. Despite his undeniable talent, Rashford struggled to make an impact on the game, with his decision-making and finishing coming under heavy criticism.
Ten Hag didn’t hold back, saying, “Marcus needs to be more clinical. He had chances today but failed to capitalize. In games like this, you can’t afford to miss opportunities, and he knows that.”
Rashford’s subdued performance has raised concerns about his form and confidence, as the forward has yet to find the back of the net consistently this season.
Sancho Fails to Impress
Perhaps the most stinging critique was reserved for Jadon Sancho, who has been underwhelming since his big-money move to Old Trafford. Sancho, once heralded as one of Europe’s brightest young talents, has struggled to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity, and today’s match was no exception.
Ten Hag expressed his disappointment with Sancho’s work rate and contribution, stating, “Jadon needs to show more urgency and desire. He’s a talented player, but talent alone isn’t enough. We need more from him, and he needs to step up.”
Sancho’s failure to deliver in crucial moments has been a growing concern, and Ten Hag’s comments suggest that the winger’s place in the starting lineup could be in jeopardy if he doesn’t improve soon.
Looking Ahead
This public dressing-down by Erik ten Hag is a clear message to the entire squad: performances like today’s will not be tolerated. With the pressure mounting, the onus is now on Evans, Rashford, and Sancho to prove their worth and respond to their manager’s criticism.
As Manchester United looks to bounce back from this defeat, all eyes will be on the trio to see if they can rise to the challenge and help the team return to winning ways. For Ten Hag, the time for excuses is over, and the focus is firmly on results.