Ten Hag: Many positives for Man United
BRUNO Fernandes eased the pressure on under-fire Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag as his double inspired a nervous 4-2 win against Sheffield United on Wednesday night.
Ten Hag’s side twice trailed the Premier League’s bottom club at Old Trafford before Fernandes came to his beleaguered manager’s aid in the second half.
Jayden Bogle put the Blades ahead, and, although Harry Maguire equalised before half-time, Ben Brereton Diaz restored the visitors’ advantage soon after the interval.
Fernandes bailed out Ten Hag with a penalty equaliser before the Portugal midfielder’s long-range rocket put United in front with nine minutes left.
Rasmus Hojlund got United’s fourth to ensure they could enjoy a first league win in five games since beating Everton on March 9.
“I think we played quite well, also creating many more chances. Many positives but also negatives: conceding two goals from give-aways. It’s unacceptable,” Ten Hag said. “I’m happy with the win overall. ”
It was a reprieve for Ten Hag, who hopes to salvage sixth-placed United’s dismal season by winning the FA Cup and finishing high enough to qualify for the Europa League.
“The number of goals we are scoring at this moment is a huge progress. If we have our back four back together, then I’m sure we will be more consistent,” Ten Hag said.
The Blades are 10 points from safety with only four games left as they sink towards relegation just one year after promotion from the Championship.
Ten Hag endured stinging criticism after United stumbled into the FA Cup final with a spluttering win against second-tier Coventry on Sunday.
United blew a three-goal lead in the last 19 minutes of normal time at Wembley, and then barely survived a penalty shoot-out to book a final date with Manchester City.
But the flaws in United’s creaky defence were exposed again in the 50th minute as they conceded two in a game for the fifth successive match. |