What infuriated Erik ten Hag told Manchester United players after ‘unacceptable’ 4-2 loss to Cadiz
On Wednesday, December 7, at the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag criticized his team’s poor start against Cadiz CF.
With the majority of their first-team players competing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Red Devils selected a young squad against the Spanish club in a friendly. United did have several veterans in their ranks, however.
Martin Dubravka, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Anthony Martial, Anthony Elanga, Scott McTominay, and Donny van de Beek were all in the starting lineup. Teden Mengi, Brandon Williams, Zidane Iqbal, and Alejandro Garnacho, all young players, completed the lineup.
Despite possessing a decent mix of youth and experience on the field, Ten Hag’s squad began the match poorly and trailed 2-0 after 14 minutes. Cadiz, ranking nineteenth in La Liga, scored goals via Carlos Sanchez and Anthony Lozano.
Ten Hag blasted Manchester United’s performance in the first 15 minutes after the game, saying (via Football 365):
“It’s quite clear we were not awake, we were asleep in the first 15 minutes. They were a threat in transition. In the second goal we were not awake, a bad rest defence – especially in the midfield, we got ran off. It’s not possible, unacceptable.”
In the 21st minute, Anthony Martial scored for the Red Devils from the penalty spot. However, Ten Hag believes that the majority of the damage was done in the first fifteen minutes and stated:
“The first goal as well, a set play, bad organisation and discipline, you concede a goal. After that, we came in the game, but couldn’t make the equaliser before half-time.
“The first 15 minutes cannot happen and it should not happen.
“That is not our standard. We will speak tomorrow. Draw a line and move on because this can’t happen in the future.”
At halftime, Cadiz held a 2-1 edge over his opponent. Ten Hag made ten substitutions throughout the half, with only Dubravka remaining on the field. It appeared to succeed initially, as Manchester United’s teenager Kobbie Mainoo tied the score in the 48th minute.
Ruben Sobrino regained the lead for Cadiz nine minutes later, and Tomas Alcarcon made it 4-2 in the 77th minute.
What infuriated Erik ten Hag told Manchester United players after ‘unacceptable’ 4-2 loss to Cadiz
