Erik ten Hag says ‘a lot is going against’ Manchester United this season, but has called on his team to ‘make their own luck’ after the club’s 4-3 defeat at Bayern Munich.
United opened their Champions League campaign with defeat at the Bundesliga champions, who dominated for large periods of the game. England captain Harry Kane scored one and created another for a Bayern side who are now 35 games unbeaten in the Champions League’s group stage.
Bayern were handed the lead after a goalkeeping error from Andre Onana, before Serge Gnabry doubled the host’s lead after fine work from Jamal Musiala.
Rasmus Hojlund’s first Manchester United goal brought the Red Devils back into the contest, but Kane converted from the spot to restore Bayern’s advantage after Christian Eriksen was adjudged to have handled in the area.
A frantic finish saw Casemiro score twice late on for United, either side of Mathys Tel’s sharp touch and finish for Bayern who remained in front. Ten Hag was disappointed with the nature of the goals his side conceded, as United lost for the fourth time in six games in all competitions this season.
“Disappointed because we should stay in the game. If you score three goals at Bayern Munich you have to take a point,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports.
“We are in a period, a lot is going against us. We have to make our own luck. We’ve played great teams in the last three games.”
Onana came out and shouldered blame for his mistake post-match and Ten Hag was keen to defend the goalkeeper, who has had a difficult start since his arrival from Inter Milan.
“It’s good he’s doing that but it’s about the team. Mistakes are being made but you have to bounce back as a team. If one player makes a mistake, it’s done, it’s gone. We have to believe as a team that we can always bounce back. Tonight we showed it.”
Ten Hag was asked on the importance of this weekend’s clash with Burnley as his side look to turn around their form and said ‘every game is huge’ as the Red Devils seek to improve.
“Every game is important. Every game is huge. We have to make our own luck. Nobody can help you. We, team, me included, only we can do it. It’s in our hands, nobody else.”
