Man United lacked ‘passion’ and ‘fight’ vs. Brentford – Erik Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag admitted his team lacked passion and fight after a 1-1 draw against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday. After a goalless first half, substitute Mason Mount broke the deadlock as he found the back of the net in the stoppage time.

However, Kristoffer Ajer equalized for the home team with seconds left for the final whistle. In fact, United were outplayed by Brentford for the major part of the game. The Dutchman admitted the opposition was better in terms of aggression.

“We showed resilience all through the game but in points of aggressiveness Brentford were better,” said Ten Hag.

“We should show more passion and desire in many moments in the game. But when you are winning [so late on] you should bring it over the line.

“We didn’t play well but there was spirit, there was fight, but not enough.”

On the other hand, this loss diminished United’s hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League in the next season with Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, fourth and fifth in the Premier League respectively, winning their respective matches on Sunday.

“Still there are many games to go, but of course the points will be more expensive by the end,” said Ten Hag.

“There should have been three, but now it’s only one and by the end we will know how it can work out, but it can be a big point at the end.”

United have now conceded 20 or more shots in nine of their last 11 games but the gaffer said they aren’t conceding many goals, which is the key.

“I explained it, we defended low at times and because Brentford are very direct we lost many many second balls and we had to defend the box,” said Ten Hag. “We had a great goalkeeper [André Onana], he was brilliant tonight, we have to say that also.

“Our results are quite consistent from January on. We concede shots, but we don’t concede so many goals.”

Manchester United will next take on Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.