Ten Hag criticises Man Utd’s first-half discipline against Leicester, before they dominated the second 45

Harry Watkinson 19 Feb 2023 4:40 PM

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said his team’s was not ‘disciplined,’ despite picking up an empathetic 3-0 victory over Leicester City at Old Trafford.

It was Marcus Rashford who stole the show once again for the Red Devils, netting twice to take his league tally to an impressive 14 goals in 23 matches so far.

United had to absorb some pressure from Leicester early in the game, with David de Gea producing an outstanding save after a header from Kelechi Iheanacho almost nestled in his bottom corner.

However, Rashford opened the scoring on the 25th minute after a lightning-fast counter attack. The England international was played through by Bruno Fernandes, before smashing the ball into the bottom corner.

Leicester struggled to get back into the game after that blow. In the 56th minute, Rashford doubled United’s lead with another breakaway attack, capitalising on an excellent pass from Fred and finishing confidently.

United sealed their victory five minutes later through substitute Jadon Sancho, finishing off a lovely team move, as he slotted the ball into the bottom corner after receiving a pass from Fernandes, who made two assists today.

However, the Dutch coach has suggested that United were not up to scratch in the first half, before going on to dominate the second 45.

Ten Hag says United were not ‘disciplined’ despite victory

Speaking to BBC Sport, Ten Hag said: “Leicester is a great team, they played really well and made it really tough for us. It was also by us, we didn’t follow the rules and the principles of the game from our way of play and then you get punished.

“We were lucky and it is only because of David de Gea that we don’t concede a goal. Great saves, we were not disciplined and it is not right.”

“We came in at half-time and said it. We were 1-0 up, we knew also how to beat them because there was a lot of space in the midfield and behind their defending line.

“It was a good goal, once again a great pass from Bruno [Fernandes], a great goal from Rashy [Marcus Rashford] and then we are 1-0 up. The second half was all us and Bruno Fernandes played a magnificent game.

“The team is putting Rashford in the right positions, especially Bruno, he creates how many passes, he gives behind, he crosses in. Not only Bruno but I think he is doing a great job.

“We need all players in form but we have to follow the priniciples of our way of play and if we do that, we can play very well and we have seen that in the second half.”

Ten Hag also gave his verdict on whether or not United are in the title race, saying: “We don’t think about that, we think about tomorrow, we have to be a better version of ourselves and that is what we have to work for. We are in February, don’t look far ahead.”

Manchester United Erik ten Hag