Erik ten Hag had plenty to say after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
In general, the coach considered football to be a good watch, saying that it was a “brilliant game with two teams very close together.
“But in the first half we dominated the game, that’s why they changed their system. Then it got a bit difficult for us. Especially defensively in maybe the last five minutes.”
Ten Hag was upset by the lack of clinical definition, particularly in the first half:
“We had chances. Two for Rashford, one for Antony, one on one with the goalkeeper. So in those moments you have to take your chances.”
United undoubtedly regretted taking advantage of that early dominance, and Chelsea regrouped after the break.
“The second half was even. It was a battle.”
But the end result was fair according to the Dutchman:
“In the end we get a point that I think is justified.”
When asked about his substitutions, Ten Hag referred to United’s hectic schedule:
“It was the fourth game in ten days. They get tired in the head and you have to refresh things.
But there was also an element of having to win the tactical battle and respond to changes from Chelsea:
“Immediately after the second half we made the change and we dealt with his change well.
“They were solutions to be more dominant in the game.”
Ten Hag was seen protesting on the touchline in frustration at his team’s inability to play in the thirds during the second half and referred to the post-game incident:
“We no longer found the spare men in midfield, and there were spare men. Especially our full-backs could have done more in those situations.”
When asked about the status of Varane’s injury following the player’s retirement following a hamstring pinch, Ten Hag was able to reveal “Nothing”, saying more time was needed.
On Casemiro’s goal, Ten Hag was jubilant:
“Excellent! We bought it also for this reason because we need headers.”
But the Dutchman had high praise for “The spirit of the team.
“I saw the body language of my players. They found the spirit and regained their faith.”
On Ronaldo’s current situation, Ten Hag insisted the striker still had a role to play.
“He has value to us, and we need him. You can see it in this game too, he can finish.”
