Manchester United vs Arsenal: Erik Ten Hag Comments
LONDON: Erik ten Hag started the match after Manchester United were denied a win over Arsenal before losing 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Alejandro Garnacho seemed to have scored United’s winning goal with a minute remaining, but his net was canceled due to an offside after a VAR replay.
The winger was seen in front of Gabriel, but Ten Hag alleged a replay of said position regarding being shown from the wrong angle.
The United boss also felt his squad deserved a penalty when Rasmus Hojlund was brought down in the Arsenal box.
Ten Hag also claimed Declan Rice’s late goal should have been called off due to a rough tackle on Jonny Evans, who was hit by the Arsenal midfielder’s shot towards his own goal.
“He didn’t offside (for Garnacho’s goal), wrong angle. Penalty to Hojlund, and then we conceded, the foul on Jonny Evans was obvious,” said Ten Hag.
Evans has also come under fire from United fans after his second appearance for the club ended in defeat.
The centre-back replaced Victor Lindelof when the score was tied at 1-1, and was responsible for both of Arsenal’s goals.
First, Rice’s shot hit Evans and beat Andre Onana before failing to prevent Gabriel Jesus from scoring Arsenal’s third goal.
Before that, Marcus Rashford’s opening goal in the 27th minute for United was matched by Martin Odegaard’s equalizer a minute later.
After the match Ten Hag revealed why Jadon Sancho was not in the squad.
“His performance in training meant he wasn’t selected. You need to reach a certain level every day at Manchester United. There are options up front, so in this game he was not selected,” he said.
Sancho however defended himself on social media. “Please don’t believe what you read! I will not allow people to say things that are not true.
“I trained well this week. I believe there is another reason I can’t say, I was the scapegoat for a long time and it’s not fair!
“I just want to play football with a smile and help the team. I respect all the decisions the coach makes.
“I know every week is a challenge, I will keep fighting for this badge!”