Erik ten Hag on Manchester derby defeat:’I am very disappointed, especially at the lack of belief ‘

Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United had won four Premier League games on the spin prior to the weekend’s 6-3 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

The heavy nature of Manchester United’s defeat in the derby will have no doubt knocked the confidence built up in that period, however.
Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag insists that Sunday’s defeat in the derby is a natural setback that the Reds have to learn from.

Erik ten Hag's post-match reaction.#MUFC || #MCIMUN

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After the match Erik ten Hag on Manchester United’s performance he said,”I am very disappointed, especially at the lack of belief. I didn’t expect it. In the [previous] games, yes some weeks ago, our team was confident, there was a good spirit, there was a good vibe and today we didn’t bring it on the pitch from the first minute at all. The vibe hasn’t gone [definitively] but they didn’t bring the belief on the pitch. It is possible to play and we didn’t. On the ball we gave easy balls away. We made many wrong decisions and out of possession, we didn’t go on the front foot. I  always expect my team [to go on the front foot] but they didn’t do that.”

“The last five games, we brought that attitude [belief] on the pitch. We had a strong belief and convincing, and you bring the opponents problems,” he began.

“It was the other way around, but I think it’s normal in our process. The pattern has to go up, and I see, clearly, it goes up, but you will have setbacks during the process, and we have to learn from it.

“[We need to] point it clearly out and walk away from it. We will move on and carry on to the next game.”

Erik ten Hag cited a lack of belief among his side as United’s biggest problem on Sunday but does not doubt that his side have the capability to possess it more regularly going forward.

United have already shown spirited performances in – and won – big games this season against Liverpool and Arsenal, and Erik ten Hag is certain that his team can learn from this experience and do the same again going forward.

“They showed against, for instance, Liverpool and Arsenal, when they perform as a team and bring the belief on the pitch, starting as individuals, we will show them.