Ten Hag: 'Man Utd have declined since winning the League Cup'

Coach Erik ten Hag admitted that Man Utd's form has seriously declined after beating Newcastle 2-0 in the League Cup final half a year ago.

At Wembley Stadium on February 26, Casemiro and Marcus Rashford scored to help Man Utd win the English League Cup, ending their title drought since the Europa League under coach Jose Mourinho in 2017. This was also Ten Hag's first trophy with Man Utd after just over half a season in charge.

But since then, Man Utd have won just 16 of their 32 games in all competitions. The Red Devils' win rate under Ten Hag was 69% before the League Cup final, but has dropped to 50% since the Wembley victory.

In a press conference before the match against Brentford in round 8 of the Premier League, when asked about Man Utd falling asleep on their laurels and declining since winning the League Cup, Ten Hag replied: "That's the truth. We have not maintained our top level since then and are fighting to get back. There are many reasons, but such performance is unacceptable."

Ten Hag lifts the English League Cup after the final at Wembley on February 26. Photo: PA

Man Utd's win percentage has plummeted following a poor start to the season. They have lost six and conceded 18 goals in 10 games in all competitions this season - their worst record since conceding 20 goals in their opening 10 games in 1966-67. With 19 goals conceded, Sheffield United are the only Premier League club to have conceded more goals than Man Utd since the start of the season.

According to Ten Hag, Man Utd are not yet stable in defence and need to communicate better to reduce mistakes. "In 99% of top football, if you make a mistake, the opponent will punish you," the Dutch coach emphasized. "We talked about having a unified point of view, needing to communicate in important moments and playing in an organized manner. Then it's about the players being in the right positions and making the right decisions."

Up front, after achieving a career-best 30 goals last season, Marcus Rashford has fallen off the pace, scoring just once in nine games since the start of the season. Ten Hag defended his player, saying that no player can maintain top form in every game. The Dutch coach said Rashford was lacking confidence and needed goals to relieve the pressure. He also stressed that the whole team supported and tried to help the English striker return to his best form.

Ten Hag confirmed Sergio Reguilon is not back, Antony is ready to start after his ex-girlfriend's abuse scandal and ignored questions about Jadon Sancho - a player expelled from the first team for disciplinary reasons. In addition, Man Utd are also without Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Kobbie Mainoo, Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw due to long-term injuries.

If they lose to Brentford at Old Trafford today, Man Utd will suffer their fifth defeat and their worst run in eight opening Premier League games since 1986. They will also have lost three consecutive home games in all competitions since 1962, after losing 3-2 to Galatasaray in the Champions League and 1-0 to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Hong Duy

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