Erik ten Hag admitted there is still a lot of work to do after Manchester United opened their pre-season preparations with defeat.
Man United started the new season by visiting Rosenborg’s headquarters in a trial match. Playing at Lerkendal Stadium, Monday (15/7/2024) evening WIB, they lost 0-1.
Rosenborg, who was already playing in the league, seemed immediately in control of the game and posed several threats to Man United’s goal. Noah Holm was finally able to break through the opponent’s goal in the 90+3 minute.
Furthermore, the Red Devils continue their pre-season by facing Rangers on Saturday before leaving for the United States to step up preparations for the new season ahead of the Community Shield match against their rivals, Manchester City.
After the match, Ten Hag said he was not looking for results against Rosenborg. He only hopes that Man United’s performance will be much better for the next pre-season match.
“Results are not the important thing,” Ten Hag said.
“Of course, we played in pre-season, but at Man United, the standard is that you win games and of course not lose.
“So, if you can’t win, don’t lose, like we did in the last seconds of the game, but of course, performance is more important and our performance was below standard.”
Against Rosenborg, the majority of Man United’s main squad was not brought in and Jadon Sancho was also not part of the visiting team which mostly consisted of young players.
Only the likes of Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount, Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all included in the line-up along with veteran defender Jonny Evans.
“We can talk and fix everything that is bad, but I am not that kind of person. I have seen that this is not the standard for top teams,” continued Ten Hag.
“At the top level of football we have much higher standards, as an individual you have to make sure you are fit.
“I know you can’t be fit at the moment, so we need these games to get there.”
Then, the Dutch coach continued that Man United must maintain their level and of course he wants to see a different performance against Rangers.
“I know we are playing against players who are already at the peak of their form, they have a much higher level of fitness, but we are still Man United and the players from Man United have to do better.”
