Erik ten Hag has claimed Manchester United still want to extend David de Gea's contract despite his latest howler.
20.04.2023 - 22:37 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Erik ten Hag said Manchester United players lacked desire and let the supporters down in their dire 3-0 defeat to Sevilla.
United were ejected from the Europa League at the quarter-final stage in a 5-2 aggregate thrashing having been 2-0 up after 80 minutes in the first leg at Old Trafford.
Individual errors from Harry Maguire and David de Gea were punished by Youssef En-Nesyri in each half of an anaemic performance against the six-time winners. De Gea was also slow to react to Loic Bade's header.
Also read: Sevilla defeat shows Ten Hag has to get ruthless with five United players
United were without first-choice centre halves Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes was suspended while Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford started on the bench but Sevilla are a lowly 13th in La Liga.
When asked if some of the United squad members are not good enough, Ten Hag replied: "I think they showed in the past they can (be) but tonight we were not good enough. Was obvious, was clear. We did not match the standards you can expect from a Manchester United team.
"I have to acknowledge (a lack of fight). It's the truth. It's hard, it's tough. It's the truth. It can't be. It's unacceptable. We showed in the past we can quickly bounce back. We have done it many times this season but we have to start games better; more desire, more composure on the ball. When you get the setback you have to deal with it and carry on.
"It's the truth that we have to be better and it's not about playing skills, no. It is about character. So be composed, desire and passion. They had more willingness to win, it can't be. I think it's unacceptable."
Although United have had a progressive campaign under Ten Hag they have also suffered defeats
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