Erik ten Hag critical of ‘below standard’ Man United after friendly defeat

Erik ten Hag says that Manchester United’s performance was ‘not good enough’ after falling to defeat against Rosenborg on Monday.

United were downed by a 93rd-minute strike in their pre-season friendly against Rosenborg after Noah Emmanuel Jean Holm scored with nearly the last kick of the game.

While it must be stressed this was just a friendly for the Red Devils, Ten Hag was not happy with the way his side played.

Speaking to MUTV after the match, Ten Hag said: “The result is not secondary.

“Our performance as a team is by far not good enough. This is not the standard for top football.

“We can’t be match fit at this moment. They have a much higher fitness level but we are Manchester United we must perform better.”

United’s team fielded several of their reserves including Will Fish, Ethan Wheatley and Sam Murray, as well as Hannibal Mejbri, who spent last season on loan at Sevilla.

However, key players such as Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount and Casemiro also started the match, though they were subbed off at half-time.

The Red Devils rarely threatened at the Lerkendal Stadion, though this is the midway point of the Eliteserien season in Norway.

Rosenborg are currently 11th in the top tier of Norwegian football, three points above the drop zone after five wins out of 14.

United managed just two shots on target throughout the contest whereas Rosenborg managed seven with 20-year-old goalkeeper Radek Vitek impressing for the visitors.

Ten Hag’s men are looking to regain their match fitness after returning from their holidays while many will be allowed extended time off following international tournaments.

That includes the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez, who has only recently recovered from an injury-ravaged campaign to lead Argentina to glory at the Copa America.

New signing Joshua Zirkzee has also not arrived yet, having reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024 with the Netherlands.

Ten Hag penned a one-year extension on his contract at Old Trafford earlier this summer with the club chiefs willing to back him after winning the FA Cup.

But they will expect better results in the Premier League after finishing eighth – their lowest-ever position in the division.

United are next in action on Saturday where they will face Rangers in another pre-season friendly at Ibrox.