Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes his squad’s lack of consistency is still a major concern after they were demolished by Bournemouth on Saturday.
The Red Devils were handed a fresh humiliation by the Cherries this weekend, with Andoni Iraola’s side outplaying their hosts from back to front and from start to finish, earning the club’s first ever victory at Old Trafford.
After beating Chelsea on Wednesday night, United looked to have turned another corner in their turbulent season so far, but they came crashing back down with another deserved defeat.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Ten Hag revealed his disappointment at both the performance and the waning consistency of his squad.
“I expected something different, I hoped before the game you can build on from the performance and result from Chelsea, so it’s very disappointing, the way we started the game,” Ten Hag said.
“Then I think a long time we did everything to get back in the game, we get one shot, almost a penalty, then in the build-up we make a mistake and we are not good enough in the rest of defence and that is disappointing.
“You’re following facts, we put a lot of effort in to turn in the game, but then the brilliance, the movement in the box were not there to get the equaliser. After the 2-0, we broke down so we have to do things better.
“The way we started is no good, that is poor. It’s first five minutes of the game and especially against an opponent like today, very good transition team, you give them perfect circumstances, it shouldn’t happen.
“But we did everything to turn in the game, we had a lot of attacks, we didn’t come to a point to turn the game although we had opportunities.
“I think we have to always be ready for the game and so I have to take the responsibility for that, I have to prepare the team so they are ready for the game. From my point of view, I’m very disappointed the way we started and we have to be better.
“I think, as a squad, we are not good enough to be consistent and we have to work as a squad to improve that. We are really inconsistent, we have the abilities to do it, but you have to do it every game and every third day.
“As a group, we have to improve. We have to get tougher, that we are ready for the game, from the start. I said on Friday, it can’t be in this league if you are not playing on the highest levels, because you get killed. That’s what happened in the five minutes and then you are following facts.
“And, especially against them, you make life easier for them, they have perfect conditions to play in. You see the team fighting, battling, put a lot of effort in for a long period but it can’t happen that you so easily concede a goal.”
United went behind in the opening stages when Bruno Fernandes’ pass from the back was intercepted by Lewis Cook and his cross was converted by Dominic Solanke.
Bournemouth doubled their lead midway through the second half through Philip Billing before Marcos Senesi added a third minutes later.
Dango Ouattara had a fourth goal ruled out for handball in stoppage time to prevent United much further woe.
United missed the chance to move level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City ahead of their trip to Luton Town on Sunday. Ten Hag’s side could end the weekend as low as eighth if results go against them.
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