Ten Hag has no excuses for Man Utd’s terrible defeat

A poor defensive display in Spain ended Man Utd’s treble dream for the season.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said there is no excuse for the way his side performed in the Europa League quarter-final defeat to Sevilla.

After last week’s 2-2 first-leg draw, United had a night to forget in the return fixture, losing 3-0 away to Sevilla to drop out of the competition with a 5-2 aggregate defeat.

They may have been without several players, including the suspended Bruno Fernandes, but Ten Hag was adamant they only had themselves to blame.

“We have to do better, that’s the demand. We were not composed, not calm,” the Dutchman told BT Sport.

“We didn’t beat the press; when you do, there are so many spaces behind, and it was obvious at the start how to do it. We lost the battles, they had more passion, more desire, and more willingness. That’s difficult to win games.

“It’s about the players on the pitch. They have to perform, I believe in them and trust them, but they have to show it, and they were not good enough.

“We have shown on so many occasions good things, but tonight we weren’t ready for the game. At this level, playing for Manchester United, you have to be ready for every game. This was a great opportunity, a great occasion, to win something, and we gave it away – we have to blame ourselves.”

Next up for Manchester United is an FA Cup semi-final against Brighton. The game will take place at Wembley this Sunday. For details and betting tips, visit the Ace Football preview here.