Erik ten Hag sends warning to Man Utd players ahead of Europa League opener
Man United have scored just five goals in five Premier League games this season
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has stressed the need for his side to be more ruthless in front of goal, calling for improvements in their finishing.
Despite creating numerous chances, United have managed just five goals in their opening five Premier League matches this season.
Ten Hag acknowledged that his team must be more efficient in converting opportunities, emphasizing the importance of increasing their goal tally to secure better results.
Speaking ahead of United’s Europa League opener against FC Twente tomorrow, Ten Hag said: “We create a lot of chances in the first games of the season and last week we scored seven against Barnsley, so we are capable of scoring many goals.
“But it’s a part of the game we have to improve and we have to kill in the box.
“There are different aspects of this.
“The most important thing is you create chances and we create a lot of good moments, we are very creative, we have many opportunities to score goals, keep this process going and finishing to work on.”
On the new 32-team Europa League format, Ten Hag said: “I think there are two things – the format we have to take this experience, but one thing is for sure, every match is significant and every goal is significant.
“In January the first eight teams can qualify but even if you are in the first 24 you can win this competition, so there’s always an option to win it.
“The other part, we have discussed it so many times, is that there are too many games, too many competitions, it’s clear.
“The players are overloaded, this is not good for football. Maybe it’s good for commercial.
“But there is a limit, it is unavoidable.”
Ten Hag defended his decision to bench Marcus Rashford during Saturday’s goalless draw against Crystal Palace, even though Rashford had scored three goals in his previous two matches
“I didn’t understand the criticism,” said Erik ten Hag
“But people are entitled. If they want to but what they are not entitled is to bring speculation.
“If I give an explanation they have to trust my words.
“If they don’t, that’s not right.”
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