Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag blamed his side’s younger players for errors during their 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday night.
The Red Devils’ disastrous season continued at Selhurst Park to round off the weekend’s Premier League action, with Ten Hag himself proclaiming that the visitors were ‘hammered’.
United transfer target Michael Olise scored a brace, while Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell were also on target for the Eagles. Olise broke the deadlock with almost a free run through the United half before firing beyond goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Speaking to the press post-match, Ten Hag was intensely critical of United’s defending, particularly that of his young players.
“There was a script and they should follow it and they didn’t do,” Ten Hag said of his side regarding the opening goal.
“Professionals shouldn’t allow this because it was such an easy giveaway goal, five players over the ball and they have a throw-in.
“It’s not the first time this season it happens. I know we have young players but even young players should learn when they play in the first team they should take responsibility there.
“How we give the goals away and especially when we prepare the team and conceding the first goal is very disappointing. Easy giveaways and it shouldn’t happen and especially not in the circumstances we are in because we have problems. But we have to help each other out.”
United’s lineup contained 19-year-olds Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho as well as 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund, but most of Ten Hag’s starting XI were experienced veterans.
Casemiro, 32, turned in one of the worst performances of his career, while Christian Eriksen, also 32, and Jonny Evans, 36, were hardly much better either.
United have dropped to eighth in the table and are now behind Chelsea owing to their horrendous goal difference (-3). The Red Devils have not finished lower than seventh in the Premier League era and end the season with tough fixtures against Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton.
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