Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed frustration after his team squandered a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with FC Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.
United, who led 2-0 within the first 20 minutes at the Estadio do Dragao, saw their advantage disappear after conceding twice in a seven-minute span before halftime.
A goal shortly after the break left them trailing, and to make matters worse, captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second consecutive match.
A stoppage-time equalizer from Harry Maguire, who came on as a second-half substitute, was needed to salvage a point for United in Portugal, but Ten Hag was critical of his players for losing focus during crucial moments of the game.
“It’s mixed feelings,” Ten Hag said after the match
“We scored two great goals and then we switched off. We don’t keep possession and defending, we’re switching off.
We concede the first goal totally unnecessary and then you light up the fire in this stadium and it becomes very tough.
“We addressed it at half-time and then you concede a third one, so unnecessary.
It’s no good defending again. That’s also to do with some willingness in some moments.
“But then I have to praise the guys, how they return in the game and how they fight and find a way to get an equaliser.”
Ten Hag was also compelled to defend his decision to substitute Marcus Rashford at half-time, despite the forward scoring United’s opening goal and showing strong form throughout the first half.
✓ Manchester United’s Star Slammed By Owen Hargreaves After Porto Nightmare, Calls For Him To Be Benched
Rashford was unexpectedly replaced by Alejandro Garnacho after the break, with Ten Hag initially explaining the change was made to keep Rashford fresh for the upcoming match against Aston Villa.
However, in his post-match press conference, the Dutchman suggested that the substitution was influenced by Porto’s two first-half goals, both of which originated from crosses on Rashford’s side of the pitch.
“Garnacho was my best player on Sunday by far and also in many other games.”
“I think in the season as I assess it so far, he is bringing us so far the offensive threat by creating chances, assists, also scoring.
Garnacho, we also had to play him as well and we have two very good players over that side.
“I have to watch [the game] back and I think over the left side definitely we didn’t defend well tonight and Marcus also played a part in this.
But, as I say, it had to do with Garnacho and nothing against Rashy.”
Erik ten Hag has been given two matches to secure his position, with the 3-3 draw against FC Porto being one of them.
The remaining crucial fixture is a must-win against Aston Villa this Sunday, which could determine his future at Manchester United.
