Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has encouraged the team's players to 'criticise each other' following the appalling 6-3 defeat at Manchester City on Sunday.
Manchester United suffered a humiliating 6-3 loss against Manchester City on Sunday, sparking several supporters to lash out at boss Erik ten Hag for flawed tactics during the Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium. A day after the demolition on derby day, the Dutchman has encouraged players to rip into each other when they train together.
Manchester City led by four goals at halftime as Ten Hag's team buckled under pressure in the high-octane clash on Sunday. For the Premier League champions, who emphasised the difference in class between themselves and their cross-town neighbours, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden scored a hat-trick. After a four-game winning streak in the Premier League, the score was somewhat respectable thanks to two late goals, but this was a humiliating outcome for Ten Hag and his side.
United has given up four goals in the opening period of a game twice as many games this season, and according to the Telegraph, the Dutchman has demanded an inquisition. According to reports, Ten Hag urged his team members to rip into each other as he looked for an honest assessment of his side's performance.
"It's an open door – this performance was unacceptable. As a team and as individuals, we will criticise each other [on Monday] and then we will learn the lessons and we have to do better, starting the next game. I think it's good that a team like City gives you the status where you are in this moment," Ten Hag told MUTV.
"It's clear we did well against top teams like Liverpool and Arsenal, when we were disciplined and we followed the rules and principles, we had belief to play and we were on the front foot defending. Then you can bring a good performance and that can bring a result. When you don't, when you are not on the front foot, when you are not brave to play, you get a result as today," the United boss added.
Also read: Revealed: One thing Man City boss Guardiola doesn't like about hat-trick man Haaland