Ten Hag gives Man Utd transfer hint with post-match comments

Tom Weber

• Updated: 21 May 2023 08:12 BST
• 3 min read

Erik ten Hag wasn't completely happy with his team's performance against Bournemouth, and he again reiterated where he needs to strengthen the side in the summer.

The Red Devils ran out 1-0 winners over the Cherries thanks to an early Casemiro bicycle kick. It was a solid performance, though it would ultimately be overshadowed by their city rivals being officially crowned Premier League champions a few hours later.

"It was a great goal from Casemiro," Ten Hag told BBC after the game. "We pinned them back, didn't let them breathe in the first 25 minutes."

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The Dutchman was, on the whole, content with the result as it solidified United's place in the top four, especially since Liverpool couldn't muster more than a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa. Nevertheless, there was one major criticism he levelled at his side.

What did Ten Hag say?

"The only criticism is we didn't kill off the game," the 53-year-old remarked, "we had to produce that second goal but that's the way this team are. It is not easy scoring goals." Indeed, the second goal never came and it is instructive that Ten Hag once again voiced his frustration at his team's lack of a natural goalscorer.

This is clearly the priority area for United this summer, as Ten Hag has previously stated quite openly. Perhaps his comments were also meant to pressure the Glazers to speed up the takeover process so that the issue of next season's budget can finally be settled. Without money to spend, Ten Hag won't be able to sign that world-class forward he wants.

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The Dutchman also took the opportunity to defend his much-maligned goalkeeper. "David de Gea made a mistake a few weeks ago but everyone can make mistakes. We defend with 11, that's why we have so many clean sheets. David made some great saves."