Erik ten Hag says Manchester United are conceding too many goals but refused to blame Andre Onana despite the goalkeeper’s errors at Galatasaray severely damaging their chances of Champions League progression.
Having lost three of four Group A games, Wednesday’s key clash in Istanbul began in dream fashion as Alejandro Garnacho’s early effort was followed up by a Bruno Fernandes rocket.
Hakim Ziyech pulled one back from a free-kick that Onana will be disappointed to have been beaten by and he was guilty of an even worse error after Scott McTominay scored United’s third.
🗣️ Here''s the manager''s verdict on tonight''s game in Istanbul 👇#MUFC || #UCL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 29, 2023
The summer signing somehow failed to deal with another Ziyech free-kick and substitute Kerem Akturkoglu soon lasered past him as a mad match ended 3-3.
The result leaves United bottom of their pool heading into the final round of fixtures, with the concession of 14 goals in just five Group A games the key issue.
“We scored also quickly after each other,” United manager Ten Hag said.
“It’s about the point when you are leading, when you are 2-0 up and you have to manage the game. Not so easy.
“We give free-kicks away and we have to defend them better twice. I have to say also that is Hakim. He is brilliant, I know that. He is extraordinary.
“To give free-kicks, it’s difficult to defend as well. In such areas, we have to be in more control.
“It is always about incidents, always about details and some incidents we can manage better.
“As a team, we have to learn from it because we are conceding too many goals and it is unnecessary and avoidable.
“I am sure our team is experienced enough and capable enough to manage this and we will do better.
“What is enjoyable is the progress we have and the way we play football. We dictated the game, we scored so many goals – it was about plan, creativity, being proactive and brave. That makes me happy.”
United should have scored more but Onana will be under the spotlight after this draw, having also been guilty of errors in the losses away to Bayern Munich and at home to Galatasaray.
While his key stoppage-time penalty save secured a win against Copenhagen, he endured another difficult Champions League night on Wednesday.
“I think as a team we played very well,” Ten Hag said when asked about Onana. “We win and lose together. You see the progress in this team.
“I take many positives from this game. Some mistakes. We played like I want my team to play.
“It was enjoyable to watch that proactive, dynamic, brave and we scored great goals.
“Even after we had some setbacks, we kept going until the end and we should have won with big chances from Scott McTominay and (Facundo) Pellistri.
“Of course, I am disappointed because we should have managed the game better, we will learn from that. Because this team is in development.”
Asked how Onana is, he said: “He is OK. As I said, it is not about individuals.
“Of course, individual errors in football can make a difference and you take responsibility for it but it is always about the team.
“This team is good, all the players in the squad are good and deserve the best to play for Manchester United because they are brilliant players.
“And that counts for the whole squad.”
United are now sweating on their place in Europe, let alone the Champions League, heading into their group finale against already-qualified Bayern at Old Trafford.
“It would be more frustrating if we play poor,” Ten Hag said.
“But the performance is very good, it is enjoyable to watch how we dictate the game, how we create chances, that is actually fantastic.
“But now there is more, if you can sort better the management of the game out then you start playing football.
“The football is good, the performances are good but now we have to learn better how to manage this game.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Atletico are 𝐎𝐔𝐓 of the Club World Cup Garnacho wearing Marcus Rashford's Aston Villa shirt and post on social media If you know, you know Unsuccessful hate watch The State of Brazilian Football in a Nutshell.. Pep Guardiola's Man City could face Real Madrid in the Round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup — as things stand! Shooters shoot Ple...
Spurs agree shock £5m deal to sign Japan star Kota TakaiPer Alasdair Gold of Football.London, Spurs have agreed a £5m deal to sign Kota Takei from Kawasaki, with the defender set to play in Thomas Frank's first team next season. The 20-year-old was identified by technical director Johan Lange, and is seen as having the potential to grow in the first-team like Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar S...
Manchester United have returned to Brentford with a renewed offer for winger Bryan Mbeumo, sources have told ESPN.United have indicated they're willing to pay a fee in excess of £60 million -- with a higher proportion due up front -- and closer to Brentford's valuation, around £65 million, for the Cameroon international.Negotiations between the two clubs have been ongoing for weeks and s...
Former Arsenal and Chelsea star William Gallas believes Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho will return to the Premier League - but on one condition.WHAT HAPPENED?Mourinho is currently halfway through his two-year contract at Fenerbahce, and last month he said he expects to stay with the Turkish giants next season. Last October, the Portuguese did say he was "ready" to head back to the English top-fligh...
Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly ‘weighing up’ a blockbuster swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho. Talks between the two Premier League clubs are yet to commence but they are said to be considering whether Garnacho and Blues forward Christopher Nkunku could move in opposing directions.Ruben Amorim is widely reported to have decided that the Argentina international can fin...
Tottenham to trigger Eze's 368M release clause as Frank prepares for Son exitTottenham boss Thomas Frank is to bid for Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze as reports suggest captain Heung-min Son is leaving.Eze has enjoyed the best season of his career by helping the Eagles win the FA Cup and potentially get a place in Europe if owner John Textor can work out a deal with UEFA. According to The Mirr...
Donnarumma reveals PSG contract talksGigio Donnarumma has confirmed new contract talks with PSG.The Italy goalkeeper has a deal to 2026 with the European champions and been linked with a move away in recent days.But speaking to reporters at the Club World Cup, Donnarumma has intimated he expects to soon agree a new deal with the Parisians.The 26 year-old said: "We're moving forward, we're moving f...
Fenerbahce making 'serious progress' in Jadon Sancho talksJadon Sancho could be set to join Turkish giants Fenerbahce as Jose Mourinho's side make 'serious progress' in talks with the winger.The 25-year-old has no future at Man United having spent the last 18-months on loan with Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea.Italian giants Napoli and Juventus have been heavily linked with a move for Sancho but he ...
Liverpool eye Malick Fofana as Federico Chiesa replacementLiverpool are reportedly prioritizing a move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana with Federico Chiesa likely to return to Italy in the summer transfer window.Chiesa, 27, is increasingly likely to leave Liverpool after just one season with several clubs across Italy interested in bringing him home.Napoli, Roma, Inter, AC Milan and Atalanta have al...
Man United 'make contact' with Chelsea over 352 million flopMan United have reportedly made contact with Chelsea over a potential move for forward Christopher Nkunku in the summer transfer window.The 27-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge under Enzo Maresca, playing primarily in their Europa Conference League campaign.According to L'9quipe, Man United are interested in of...
- 1 Gareth Bale set to buy former PL club
- 2 'He felt honored' - Marcelo Gallardo confirms he approached Cristiano Ronaldo about playing for River Plate at the Club World Cup
- 3 Samson Tijani: Nigeria star joins Dukla Prague from RB Salzburg
- 4 Diletta Leotta sizzles in tiny bikini on inflatable flamingo
- 5 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025
- 6 Ex-Ajax star Promes extradited to Netherlands to serve jail term
- 7 Real Madrid reveal target as Zubimendi joins Arsenal
- 8 Neymar flaunts 'candy floss' pink outfit that costs more than a family car
- 9 Stunning influencer reveals she’s had death threats
- 10 Premier League fixtures: Man City learn dates for 2025-26 campaign