Manchester United lost their first pre-season game against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. The Red Devils have had a perfect pre-season but saw their unbeaten run brought to a pre-mature end against Atletico Madrid.
Joao Felix goal in the 86th minute was enough to give Atletico Madrid the needed result. Christian Eriksen was substituted in to replace Anthony Martial in the 69th minute. The Danish international nearly had an impact when his excellent cross to Harry Maguire. The Manchester United captain missed his header from six yard.
Erik Ten Hag was impressed with Christian Eriksen with performance.
What did Erik Ten Hag say?
The Manchetser United manager said via MUTV when asked about the impact Christian Eriksen had after coming on: “We know what he is able to do.
“I think with our front men he’s able to give them, in the right moment, the right pass, so he will create chances and then it’s about finishing.”
Erik ten Hag was also furious with his offensive players for not converting their chances.
The 52 year old said: “In the end it’s about the result and the score was not good.
“You have to benefit if you create chances and I thought he created many chances to produce at least one goal, we didn’t do it.
“From the fewer chances they created they scored one. That point I’m not satisfied.
“I’ve told the team it’s not acceptable. You have to be sharp in the box on both sides.
“Our possession game and our transition game was really good, we created a lot of threat for them. We had weapons, we created opportunities, on that point I was really satisfied.
“Also from set-plays, a big chance for Harry Maguire, so we had enough but it wasn’t enough to win the game and that’s always our aim.”
Meanwhile, new Manchester United strikers coach Benni McCarthy expects a revived Manchester Untied team this season.
The Bafana Bafana all time leading goal scorer was appointed as part of Erik Ten Hag backroom staff this week.
Speaking with MUTV, He said: “It’s a privilege and if you get the smallest opportunity that you get you must grab it with both hands.
“The mentality around the club is completely different. The manager has just brought that what has been missing over the last few seasons.”
“Hopefully this season, we’re going to see a completely revived United and a hungry bunch of players and a team that is going to be able to challenge beginning with the Champions League and hopefully change the dynamics.”
Manchester United will kick start their Premier League campaign against Brighton at the Old Trafford on Sunday 7 August.
