Manchester United survived a scare in Cyprus last night, coming from behind to beat minnows Omonia Nicosia 3-2 in the Europa League.
Erik ten Hag’s substitutions saved the day after the home side took a shock lead into half-time. Marcus Rashford grabbed a brace and Anthony Martial scored his team’s second as United avoided an embarrassing evening.
Despite the result, the performance clearly did not please Ten Hag, who made a damning admission regarding his side’s current level after the game, as reported by Eurosport.
“We have to carry on and every time learn the lessons and give the maximum, because only good for me is good enough – and at this moment, by far, we are not that good.” he said.
The standards at the club have again been brought into question by the manager. Ten Hag will be expecting major improvements from his side over the coming months, in attitude as well as quality.
It is not the first time that the attitude of these United players has been called into question and the lack of desire was evident in the first goal they conceded last night.
Ten Hag highlighted the intensity of United’s actions on the pitch as the main point of failure in the couple of recent poor performances.
“I think the main problem is, and that is what we did in games before much better – intensity. We have to bring every game the intensity on the pitch. That was the big difference between City and us” he said.
The United boss went on to say the players need to take responsibility for the desire they bring to matches and it’s something he demands from them, every game.
“That is the demand to our squad, to all of our players, you have to take responsibility for that.”
Last night’s victory keeps United in second place, three points behind Group E leaders Real Sociedad, who maintained their 100% record in the competition with a win against Sheriff.
It looks increasingly likely United’s trip to Spain on Matchday 6 will determine who qualifies directly for the Round of 16 and who will need a playoff to reach the same stage of this season’s Europa League.
The games are coming thick and fast for Ten Hag’s side, who continue their packed October schedule with a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton in a Sunday’s 7pm kick off.
