August 19th 2023.
Erik ten Hag was left disappointed after his side laboured to a 2-0 defeat at Tottenham. In the aftermath of the game, he defended Mason Mount's performance, despite the new Manchester United midfielder struggling to make an impact throughout the match.
Much was expected of the former Chelsea star when he swapped Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford earlier this summer in a much-hyped £60million transfer. Deployed in a deeper role, Mount struggled to exert any influence on the contest and was substituted late on - much to his frustration.
Former United defender Gary Neville branded the 24-year-old 'anonymous' but Ten Hag insisted he was encouraged by Mount's display, especially in the opening period.
Ten Hag said: "Yes that was the plan. We dominated them totally in the first half, especially in the midfield area. He was a very important part in that."
The Dutchman was left unhappy with the lack of discipline which saw three United players collect bookings before half-time. He felt this, along with the opening goal, changed the course of the contest.
He added: "You make a face, you don't like the first half? I like the first half, it was a very good performance from Manchester United in the first half, except, we have to score. We created good chances, we had a really good press on the ball, we let them run, we had many good switches, we had many good chances to score a goal, and we deserved a penalty. I don't know why it's not. Absolutely a penalty. He changes the direction of the ball and his hand is blocking high above. But OK, you have to accept it."
Ten Hag urged his players to keep composed and stay focused, but conceded they switched off and conceded the opening goal.
He said: "We quickly got three bookings, we had to stay focused, this can't happen, they were unnecessary bookings. And then we switched off. In one attack they had two big chances, they twice hit the post. The start of the second half was not good, it was totally unnecessary to concede the first goal, and from that moment on, it's the meaning of the first goal. But, we didn't collapse, but we didn't score. You have to keep composed and keep going. We have to keep working the ball instead of going to rush."
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