Erik ten Hag has admitted that Newcastle showed more “determination, passion and desire” in their convincing 2-0 win against Man Utd.
Callum Wilson and Joe Willock were on the scoresheet as the Magpies leapfrogged the Red Devils in the Premier League.
It was a bitterly disappointing display from Ten Hag’s players – who put up less of a fight than they did during their 7-0 defeat at Liverpool last month, in my opinion.
Newcastle steamrolled Man Utd from the first kick to the last and can feel aggrieved they only won by two goals.
Ten Hag was not in denial following the defeat, admitting that Newcastle “were better” while refusing to single out any individuals.
“I hate to say it but they were better today – especially their determination, passion and desire,” the Man Utd boss told Sky Sports. “They wanted to win more so they won.
“We had our opportunities but then you have to go for goal with the determination they did. It wasn’t good enough. We allowed them too many chances. You have to be hungry and give everything every game.
“Our attacking game wasn’t good enough. I don’t want to focus on one person. It was a team performance.”
On the substitutions he made, Ten Hag said: “We were not happy. We played too high in midfield and it was easy for their two centre-halves to go and attack. We had to play a little bit deeper. Therefore we made the sub. Then we made changes to bring more energy.
“Then in the end we were losing so we decided to go with three at the back and play an extra offensive player and I decided to take both centre-backs off with Lindelof to defend the spaces.
“We have to deal with the setback and learn a lesson. So many times recently, we came back after Liverpool. I don’t have that concern. I believe in the team. I believe we’ll bounce back.”
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Ten Hag added to BBC Match of the Day: “I think it was deserving for Newcastle. They were more determined and had more passion and desire to score a goal.
“Also, to defend their box, which they did very well. We had the spaces and the opportunities but we did not use them.
“David [de Gea] made one great save. They had many shots from the edge and we put in blocks there. But we have to stop them before they come in to the final third. We didn’t do that well. The blocks were good but better is to stop it at source.
“No [the Cup runs are not…
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