Erik ten Hag has criticised Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia for their performance in Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
United were forced to come from behind in Cyprus as the hosts took the lead in the first half as a double from Marcus Rashford and a goal from Anthony Martial sealed the victory for Ten Hag’s men.
Meanwhile, Sancho and Malacia were replaced at half time and Ten Hag admitted after the game that he was concerned by United’s left flank in the opening 45 minutes.
When asked if Sancho and Malacia were substituted because they were at fault for Omonia Nicosia’s opening goal, Ten Hag replied: ‘It was not what I was unhappy with.
‘It was the movement with our ball, the width on the left side, for me was no good first half.
‘The movement from behind the defending line, so I hoped with Luke and Marcus we could get more effect from that and in my opinion that happens.’
Ten Hag also rejected suggestions that he should be concerned by United’s performance in Cyprus.
‘I think it was a bad 10 minutes after we conceded the goal,’ said the United manager.
‘It’s not easy against an opponent who are so compact to create chances, and we created a lot of chances.
‘And when you get down against an opponent like this they get more energy and they fight for [their] lives.
‘If you are able to come back you have the performance that you need – a win. We dealt with the setback, came back and that’s a positive from a mentality area but you can’t compare this with the game on Sunday.’
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