Erik ten Hag has insisted that Manchester United can defend "very well", despite their wild 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Manchester United draw 3-3 against PortoConceded three in three games this seasonTen Hag claims Mna Utd can 'defend very well'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?
Manchester United's poor defensive performances have been a huge concern, as they drew 3-3 with Porto in the Europa League on Thursday. The Red Devils needed an injury-time equaliser from Harry Maguire to take home a point in a game that came on the back of a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at the weekend. United have now conceded three goals three times this season.
AdvertisementWHAT TEN HAG SAID
Speaking to the media, Ten Hag said: "We started the game very good, we dominated, scored two goals then we lost control. The start was good, the middle was not good then we finished very good. It's a tough place to go, we're coming back from 3-2 and get the equaliser. The team has a strong character, but the middle part we have to improve.
"We need to be better on the ball, keep switching. We had good players, a good plan. We have to defend better. We had three clean sheets not a long time ago so we can defend very good, but we have to go back to those habits."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Manchester United have only won three times in 10 games so far this season and Ten Hag's job at Old Trafford could not be any more under threat. After United's 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, reports had suggested that INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe had afforded the Dutchman the matches against Porto and Aston Villa to improve results. However, the disappointing draw in Portugal has now left Ten Hag hanging by a thread.
WHAT NEXT FOR TEN HAG?
If reports are to be believed Manchester United's clash with Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday, October 6 could be a pivotal clash as a draw or a loss could end up seeing Ten Hag sacked less than two months after the season's start.
