Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United’s folded ‘like a pack of cards’ for goal in pre-season clash

Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United’s defence folded ‘like a pack of cards’ for Melbourne Victory’s goal in pre-season clash – but refuses to blame Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof because ‘it is the team who made mistakes’

  • Manchester United conceded a sloppy opening goal against Melbourne Victory
  • Centre-backs Harry Magurie and Victor Lindelof seemed at fault for the strike
  • United manager Erik ten Hag refused to pick out individuals after the game
  • He said the whole team was to blame as he continues to look for more signings

Erik ten hag has admitted Manchester United’s defence folded ‘like a pack of cards’ in the Red Devils’ latest pre-season encounter.

In the first half of the match against Melbourne Victory, United’s high line was exposed with left-back Luke Shaw up the pitch, meaning Victor Lindelof was pulled out of position before Chris Ikonomidis pipped Harry Maguire to a cross to put the hosts into a surprise lead.

United were renown for their poor defensive record last season, and have moved to try and improve things with the addition of Tyrell Malacia, with Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martinez almost through the door.

When asked about the goal after the match, the Dutchman said he didn’t want to pick on individuals, but that the error raised concerns.

Erik ten Hag was honest when speaking about his defence after his side’s latest friendly

Harry Maguire was outpaced for the opening goal

Victor Lindelof was pulled ouf of position in the buildup to the goal

Harry Maguire (L) and Victor Lindelof (R) both made errors in the build-up to Melbourne Victory’s goal

‘I don’t want to talk about individuals because I think it was from the start high up the pitch, the wrong choices,’ ten Hag said.

‘And then it ended up like a pack of cards. It ended up with a goal against, but it was not one individual, it was more the team who make mistakes.’

United went to win the match 4-1 after goals from Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, as well as an own goal.

The result backed up their 4-0 win over Liverpool earlier in the week, providing positive signs going forward as ten Hag continues to try and turn around United’s poor fortunes.

ten Hag wouldn't pick out individuals when assessing Manchester United's frailties in the game

ten Hag wouldn’t pick out individuals when assessing Manchester United’s frailties in the game

But the worries are still there at the back, with Maguire and Lindelof proving defensive work is still needed.

Maguire was playing in his first game under ten Hag after missing the Liverpool win, with the Dutchman confirming the 29-year-old will remain as captain this season.

Though a deal for Martinez is close, Christian Eriksen became United’s second signing of the summer this afternoon, joining on a three-year deal from Brentford.

United will play their third game of their pre-season tour on Tuesday when they face Crystal Palace in Melbourne. 

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