Ten Hag slams Man Utd after HUMILIATING pre-season defeat

Cameron Smith

• 15 Jul 2024 21:30 BST
• 3 min read

Erik ten Hag has openly criticised the Manchester United squad following an embarrassing 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Rosenborg.

Noah Emmanuel Jean Holm scored a 93rd minute winner for the Norwegian side after a dominant display from the hosts, and Ten Hag has slammed his team for their performance.

With many Man Utd stars unavailable due to their participation at Euro 2024 or the Copa America, the Red Devils were forced to call upon several academy players during their first pre-season friendly.

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However, Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jonny Evans all started the match, and were unable to guide Man Utd to victory.

In fact, the Old Trafford outfit mustered just five shots, two shots on target and 45% possession, with Rosenborg notching 22 shots by comparison, seven of which were on target.

Ten Hag spoke to MUTV after the match and was extremely critical of his team. "The performance is below standard," he said.

“It is by far not good enough. It is not the standard for top football.

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"I know we cannot be match fit at this stage and we played an opponent with much higher fitness levels, still we are Manchester United and players from Manchester United should play better."

Man Utd’s summer transfer business

Joshua Zirkzee became Man Utd’s first summer signing when his €42.5 million move from Bologna was confirmed on Sunday evening.

The Netherlands international notched 15 goal contributions in Serie A last season and is expected to provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund next season.

Manuel Ugarte, Ivan Toney and Matthijs de Ligt are also being pursued by the Red Devils as INEOS look to lay down a marker during their first transfer window in charge.

Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek headline Man Utd’s summer departures, while Willy Kambwala, Alvaro Fernandez Carreras, Brandon Williams, Shola Shoretire and Omari Forson have also left the club.