Erik ten Hag has admitted his Manchester United players abandoned his tactical plan during their humiliating 4-0 defeat at Brentford. The Dutch manager blamed individual errors and a lack of hunger after his side conceded four goals in the first 35 minutes.
Ten Hag said: 'You can't have a tactical plan but then put it in the bin.' He apologised to the travelling fans, adding: 'We let them down.' David de Gea's mistake gifted Josh Dasilva the opener, and further errors from Lisandro Martínez and others compounded the misery.
Ten Hag defended his system but criticised his players' mentality. 'They have to take responsibility on the pitch, as a team and as individuals, and that's what we didn't do,' he said. De Gea accepted blame, stating: 'I think I cost three points to my team.'
The result leaves United bottom of the Premier League after two defeats, intensifying scrutiny on Ten Hag's methods. Brentford manager Thomas Frank called the win 'fully deserved,' while striker Ivan Toney noted: 'When you work hard and run all over them, the result shows what we are capable of.'
