Erik ten Hag has delivered his verdict after Manchester United led leads slip twice against Tottenham this afternoon, with the two sides playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Rasmus Hojlund scored for the second consecutive game in the Premier League but Richarlison’s header cancelled that strike out.
Just before half-time, Marcus Rashford restored United’s lead but it would take less than a minute for Tottenham to equalise again after the interval.
Ten Hag has touched on just that in his post-match interview, admitting the goals United conceded were ‘soft’ and that there are things to work on.
“I am quite disappointed, when you go ahead twice and then concede two soft goals it is a bit frustrating, but you have to take it as it is,” he is quoted as saying by the BBC.
“The attitude from the team was great, the spirit was great. We fought and gave everything. The fans were behind us and I think it was a great game for everyone to see, not just Manchester United fans, because there was a great tempo to the game.
“Senior players like Casemiro, Martinez and Luke Shaw are returning and when you add that to our team I am sure it is a strong side.”
The manager also commented on the growing understanding between Rashford and Hojlund, with both players scoring in two straight Premier League appearances.
“They are growing together so keep going with the progress,” he said.
Both players endured a difficult first half of the season but there are positive signs of a positive trend now – hopefully, they can add to that after the winter break.
Lisandro Martinez made his long-awaited return from injury tonight and Casemiro was on the bench. After the two-week hiatus, United are expected to welcome Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire back to the fold as well.