Man Utd Erik Ten Hag hits back at Subjective Jamie Carragher Criticism
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hit back at Jamie Carragher’s “subjective” criticism of his tactics in the 2-1 defeat by Fulham. Jamie Carragher questioned the way United were set up on Saturday during Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football. Ten Hag conceded the ex-Liverpool defender “had a point” but said he has been critical “from the first moment”.
“Some analysts are very objective in their comments, very good advice, some are very subjective,” said Ten Hag.
“Jamie Carragher, from the first moment on, has criticised and now he wants to make his point.”
Jamie Carragher had pointed out how United “defends like a side I have never seen before” as they played a low defensive block and a high attacking press, which left huge gaps in the middle of the pitch that Fulham exploited on their way to only a second win at Old Trafford since 1963.
Jamie Carragher criticism
According to Ten Hag, the initial thirty minutes presented a challenge as Fulham’s midfield configuration was somewhat unexpected. However, after adapting to the situation, solutions were found and implemented.
The defensive execution, particularly on the left flank, left much to be desired. Our pressing tactics failed to contain the opposition, as they repeatedly broke through our left side within the first 30 minutes, which simply shouldn’t occur. The root of the issue ties back to a lack of determination, team spirit, and passion. Harry Maguire gave a glimmer of hope after leveling the score, negating Calvin Bassey’s goal scored in the 65th minute. Nonetheless, our brief moment of equilibrium was shattered when Alex Iwobi scored the decisive goal in the dying moments of the game, exploiting a counter from a throw-in near their own corner flag.
Ten Hag accepted that “can’t happen”, adding: “How we managed it as a team is no good.”
Speaking before Wednesday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at Nottingham Forest, he added: “I know footballers are not robots, sometimes they have bad days. But it can’t be, it’s unacceptable and we have to do better tomorrow.”
Unstoppable Antony
Ten Hag pushed to sign Brazilian winger Antony from his former club Ajax following his appointment as United boss in 2022. So far, the £82m fee – second only in United’s history to the amount spent on Paul Pogba – has not proved to be good value.
The 24-year-old has a single goal and one assist this season, both against League Two team Newport in the FA Cup. Against Fulham he was left out of the starting line-up as 19-year-old Omari Forson was handed his full debut. Ten Hag defended his decision even though Forson failed to shine. And he insists his faith in Antony remains strong.
“I brought in Kobbie Mainoo,” Ten Hag said. “Now, after six weeks, the same people who were questioning it are saying he has to go to the England squad.
“Garnacho: what is the manager doing? What is the staff doing? Similar. They need time.
“Omari came on and it’s not easy. We didn’t play our best game but he plays a reasonable game and showed that he can be a player for the future.
“On Antony, I backed him for a long time. I know his abilities. I know from the past he is unstoppable. He’s one of the quickest in the first 10 yards.
“He is resilient, he’s a character and he will fight back and I back him.”
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