Erik ten Hag was dissatisfied with some Manchester United players because ‘they didn’t obey his regulations’ in the second half against Borussia Dortmund.
Ten Hag has stressed that his squad does not play friendly games, and a win over Dortmund was the goal after a defeat to Real Madrid, but the Bundesliga runners-up won 3-2 at the Allegiant Stadium.
Although United took the lead in the 24th minute thanks to an outstanding Diogo Dalot shot, Dortmund scored two goals in short succession just before halftime to shift the game’s momentum in their favor.
The only change at halftime was Andre Onana replacing Tom Heaton, and United pulled level quickly after play resumed when Dortmund failed to clear the danger and Antony stroked home into the bottom left corner.
Just after the hour mark, the normal first-team starters were brought on, but they failed to make a significant effect, and Dortmund went on to win 3-2 when Aaron Wan-Bissaka lost control.
Ten Hag talked to MUTV after the game and chastised the players that came off the bench in the final 30 minutes.
The boss said they did not obey his regulations, calling it ‘unforgivable’ to do so in a pre-season friendly.
“Yeah, [the game was] two parts, the first hour was good, playing as a team, a lot of dynamic, good pressing,” Ten Hag added, furious. “So it was really enjoyable to see, and that’s what I wanted to say at halftime, but then they give away two goals.”
“They were giveaways, which was annoying.” But the last half-hour was terrible, a lousy performance. They didn’t play by the rules at all, not when pressing, building up, or attacking. On the pitch, there were 11 people.
“That was a disaster. I told the team, “I think it was a good tour, but you want to finish with a good performance,” and there were just 60 minutes in which I was delighted, but not with the goals we conceded since the first was poor defense and the second was poor in the build-up.
“That’s not us; we have to maintain control and responsibility on the ball, and the same was true for the 3-2. That is not possible.