Embattled Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insisted his team are one of the most “dynamic and entertaining” sides in the Premier League after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.
A late penalty from Zeki Amdouni – conceded by Andre Onana for a reckless foul on the Burnley forward – saw the Red Devils squander a 1-0 lead on another underwhelming outing at Old Trafford.
The result means United are officially out of contention for a top-four finish and are not even assured of Europa League football for 2024-25, with seventh-placed Newcastle United one point behind them.
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Ten Hag has come in for fierce criticism in recent weeks with United giving up a swathe of clear-cut chances – Burnley attempted 16 shots on their goal on Saturday with the Red Devils being carved open all too easily once more.
Ten Hag, however, believes his side are giving supporters value for money, telling BBC Match of the Day: “We are one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams in the league at this moment.
“We are creating loads of chances by playing good football. Every team gives up opportunities. But when it is us, it is weird.”
🗣️ “We gave the win away.”
Erik shares his verdict after the Reds were held by the Clarets at Old Trafford ⤵️#MUFC || #MUNBUR
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) APRIL 27, 2024
United have scored 52 goals in the Premier League this season, with ninth-placed Chelsea and eighth-placed West Ham among the teams to hit the net more often.
Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford have both matched their tally, while Fulham are only one goal behind them.
Ten Hag, however, believes the emergence of young players like Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund has been a bright spark this season, comparing his team to United’s 2004-05 side.
The likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo came to the fore for United in 2004-05, though they certainly outperformed the club’s current vintage, finishing third in the Premier League, losing the FA Cup final to Arsenal and reaching the EFL Cup semi-finals.
“They forget, in 2004-05 they also didn’t play great football,” Ten Hag said.
“They are building and it takes time but everyone forgets, even the players who were in the team, they forget they were struggling. You need time to progress.”
