Erik ten Hag criticized Manchester United's players after their derby loss.
Patrice Evra has hinted that certain players at Manchester United have already lost faith in Erik ten Hag as a result of their 6-3 loss to Manchester City in the derby last week.
Ten Hag admitted that he was "surprised" by the "lack of belief" displayed by his players in the loss. "I was not expecting it," he said. United had won each of their previous four excursions in the Premier League, including eye-catching victories over Liverpool and Arsenal, prior to this performance, which was an eye-opening performance for United.
Evra has now hinted that many players will not have taken that message well, despite the fact that the Dutchman stated after the loss at the Etihad that he was concerned over the lack of "fight" in his side for the match that he was concerned over the lack of "fight" in his side for the match.
After the game, Ten Hag offered his explanation, saying, "The players know they can do better." When playing against a team like Manchester City, it's going to be difficult for you if you don't put up a fight. Compared to the 4-0 loss at Brentford, this is a completely different situation. We didn't go running in that area. Today, despite our best efforts, we were unable to adhere to the principles.
"The problem was that they had no faith. I will demonstrate to the team how we might have gained the initiative in the situation. Despite having possession of the ball when the first goal was scored, we passed it to the opposing team. In the subsequent transition, we find ourselves making poor choices. Since we don't stick to the guidelines, we can't be considered disciplined. That will never take place. It is unacceptable."
Evra has now discussed the repercussions of these comments while providing a preview of this weekend's action in the Premier League. He outlined his concerns for Manchester United's trip to Everton, a match he believes the team will lose, as well as the implications the comments will have in the long-term.
The former United fullback provided the following explanation: "The question is, have United recovered from the derby?" This is always a challenging matchup, especially when played against the Toffees, who are notoriously tough competitors. That location is not one that I would like United to go to at this time. Regrettably, I believe Everton will come out on top."
Evra went on to criticize the manner in which United were defeated by City in the derby, saying, "United upset me so much against City, and they brought back some bad memories." Is the team resilient enough to bounce back from that so quickly? I really have no idea. I believe that the players and the manager will have lost some trust in one another as a result of the derby. Some players become sensitive when a manager calls them out after a game, and players like to place blame on other people.
United got back to winning ways on Thursday night with a 3-2 victory at Omonia Nicosia in their Europa League group stage match. However, their recovery from the loss they suffered on derby day is not likely to be measured until after they travel to Goodison Park this coming weekend.
Alphonsus Odumu 5 w
Trust issues