Erik ten Hag has described Manchester United’s significant loss in the derby against Manchester City as one of his most challenging days as the manager at Old Trafford.
On Sunday, City secured a comfortable 3-0 victory, with Erling Haaland scoring twice, including a first-half penalty, and another goal coming from Phil Foden.
Ten Hag has suffered some dismal results as United manager, but when asked whether the latest defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side made it one of his worst days in the job, he said, “Yes.”
He added, “Of course, it is disappointing, but last year we had many highlights. When you lose a derby the way we lose, that is disappointing.
“First half, we had a very good game plan and the execution was also very good. It was toe-to-toe first and it was very similar, but then the penalty changed the moment. Then, in the second half, we chose to become more offensive and it is 2-0 too quickly. From that point on it was a difficult game.”
It is now seven defeats from 14 games in all competitions this season but Ten Hag said he is confident his team is making progress.
“The three games before we won and the spirit is very good,” Ten Hag said. “I think we are on the way up. The start was difficult but now we are on the way up. When injuries are getting back, we will be getting stronger. We have to be patient but I am happy with some injuries coming back and then our side will be stronger.”
Later, Ten Hag reaffirmed his choice to relegate Raphaël Varane and Sergio Reguilón to the bench in favour of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf.
He also defended his decision to substitute striker Rasmus Højlund during the second half, even though the substitution was met with loud jeers from the Manchester United fans at Old Trafford.
“I have to protect Rasmus Højlund and I have to protect the team,” Ten Hag added.
“He is putting so much effort into pressing, going through the transitions, going the long way, and fighting a tough opposition.
“He is not used to it—three games in a week—so I have to protect him and the team to bring some energy in. We have bench players Mason Mount and [Alejandro] Garnacho; we know he can change games.”