Erik ten Hag makes bizarre statement after winning a single point against Fenerbahce and Porto in Europa League

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag made a bizarre statement, surprising fans, following the club's dismal UEL outing against Fenerbahce.


Erik ten Hag makes bizarre statement after winning a single point against Fenerbahce and Porto in Europa League

Erik ten Hag made a bizarre statement following Manchester United's dismal draw against Fenerbahce. (via Daily Express)

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag made a bizarre statement after the club’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce in the UEL. The Dutchman surprisingly stated that the point earned against the Turkish side was not a ‘bad one’. 

Erik ten Hag has been facing the heat for failing to live up to expectations at the club, with rumors of his sacking up in the air. The Red Devils have endured their worst-ever start to a new season. In the Europa League, the club has done no better, having failed to secure a single win, drawing against Twente, Porto, and Fenerbahce. 

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Against the Turkish side, United went ahead in the first half through Christian Eriksen’s goal but were left frustrated at the end as Youssef En-Neysri blocked United’s attempt to earn a win. Ten Hag, while speaking to reporters after the match, surprisingly expressed contentment with the results against their last two opponents, Porto and Fenerbahce, while labeling them as ‘tough’ teams. 

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Moreover, he stated that the Turkish giants had posed a challenge, pointing to their good squad and manager Jose Mourinho, as well as the tough atmosphere. He added on by stating that the two points that United had earned from their last two away UEL matches were not bad ones and urged fans to believe in the team. 

They gave us some problems. They are a good team with a good manager. It is not a bad point. But we want to win. We want to win every game.

Erik ten Hag to reporters (H/T NYTimes)

Meanwhile, a dismal draw against their Turkish opponents has left United reeling in the 21st position in the 36-team Europa League table. They next face PAOK at the Old Trafford, followed by another home encounter against Bodo Glimt. 

Erik ten Hag explains decision to snub youngster Amad Diallo for Antony against Fenerbahce

Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag, following the club’s dismal UEL outing against Fenerbahce, explained the reason for the unexpected changes he made during the match. The Dutchman left young forward Amad Diallo on the bench in favor of out-of-form winger Antony.

Erik ten Hag Amad Diallo Antony
Erik ten Hag explained his decision to bring on Antony against Fenebahce, over Amad Diallo. (via Sky Sports)

Antony replaced Marcus Rashford in the 73rd minute, leaving Diallo on the bench. The Ivory Coast star, however, was later called up in the 89th minute to replace the Brazilian winger, who went out with an injury. Speaking of it, Ten Hag explained that he had to reward Antony for his performances during the training sessions, despite rating Diallo’s performances highly.

Amad, he is doing well. But I must also reward the performances of Antony in training. He is a threat almost every training session, so I felt in that moment the right thing to do.

Erik ten Hag to reporters (H/T Evening Standard)

Meanwhile, the 21-year-old former Ajax star, who was subbed off in the dying minutes of the match, was spotted leaving the stadium on crutches. He could face a lengthy spell out on the sidelines.