EPL: Erik ten Hag breaks silence after Man Utd defeat at Manchester derby

Erik ten Hag has acknowledged that his Manchester United team’s Sunday loss to city rivals Manchester City was due to a “lack of belief” on their part.

At the Etihad, City humiliated the Dutch manager’s team, who were down 6-1 at one point before Anthony Martial netted two late consolation goals.

When asked what went wrong on the day in an interview with Sky Sports following the loss, Ten Hag admitted that his team lacked confidence, he said:

“Lack of belief. I’m surprised why we didn’t bring it [belief] onto the pitch. I’ve seen – obviously four weeks ago – a different team, a different spirit, a different vibe, a different confidence, and today we didn’t have confidence.

“From the first minute on we were not on the front foot, we were not brave in possession. It’s always difficult to find out [why his team weren’t brave in possession], especially straight after the game. I have to talk with my players and I have to find out.

“They know they can do better – see the performance at Arsenal, see the performance at Liverpool – but if you don’t fight, and we didn’t, then you have a problem against a team like Man City.”

On Thursday night, when Manchester United takes on Omonia in the Europa League, they will look to get back on the winning track.