Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has attributed his team’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday to “two big mistakes,” which he believes were pivotal in the match.
The defeat marks United’s second loss in three Premier League fixtures, leaving them in 14th place with just three points and a goal difference of -3, Okay.ng reports.
The Red Devils were undone by a brace from Luis Diaz and a clinical finish from Mohamed Salah, which sealed a comprehensive victory for Liverpool at Anfield.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, ten Hag reflected on the game, acknowledging that United were competitive for the first half-hour before costly errors shifted the momentum in Liverpool’s favor.
“It’s quite simple. We were in the game. It was equal after half an hour, then we made two big mistakes and Liverpool took them really well, good finishes, and they were very clinical,” the Dutchman said.
Ten Hag highlighted the difficulty of mounting a comeback after falling behind to a team as dynamic as Liverpool, particularly with their ability to capitalize on mistakes.
“When you are 2-0 down against Liverpool, they are very dynamic. We brought someone on with legs,” he continued.
The United manager pointed to a crucial moment in the second half when Joshua Zirkzee had a chance to halve the deficit, which could have changed the course of the match.
“We tried to get it to 2-1. We had the shot with Joshua Zirkzee that could have done that, then we made another mistake. It was a really clinical finish from Mohamed Salah,” ten Hag explained.
Despite the disappointment, ten Hag acknowledged the quality of Liverpool’s goals and praised their finishing.
“I have to credit this and compliment Liverpool on how they finish. They were great goals,” he concluded.
