Man Utd: Ten Hag unfazed by ‘dip in focus’ in Aston Villa draw

Man Utd’s three-match winning streak ended when Villa scored a last-minute equalizer.

Manchester United drew 2-2 against Aston Villa in their pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Jadon Sancho opened the scoring for the Red Devils before an own goal from Matty Cash made it 2-0 for Erik ten Hag’s side.

Villa, however, seemed much improved as soon as the second period started. Steven Gerrard’s side came back into the game when Leon Bailey made it 2-1 only four minutes after half-time.

United had a few more chances to restore their lead, but it was Villa who eventually got their equalizer through Calum Chambers in the 93rd minute.

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The goal ended Ten Hag’s three-match winning streak in charge of United. However, the Dutch manager believes the draw provides his side with important lessons for the upcoming campaign.

“We were really good in the first half,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports after the game. “We had a lot of good movement and scored great goals.

“Then we had a dip in focus in the second half. The guys got tired but that’s no excuse, they have to perform.

“That’s what we didn’t do in the second period.”

Speaking to MUTV, the Dutch manager added: “From the players, the team, I think there has been a lot of progress. There’s been some positive aspects.

“In the end there was a setback but that is also a part of the season because a season is not always getting up, you will also have setbacks that you have to deal with.”

Man Utd will continue their pre-season campaign with a friendly game against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.