Man Utd stars completely ignore Erik ten Hag as pre-season starts with Rosenborg defeat
Erik ten Hag's calls for 'intensity' in Manchester United's pre-season clash with Rosenborg on Monday were completely ignored. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jonny Evans, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford all started the game in Norway, where the Red Devils were beaten 1-0 by the side sitting 11th in the Eliteserien courtesy of a last-gasp goal.
Ten Hag will have hoped for a statement performance after being kept on by United's owners when it looked as though a change of manager was inevitable at the end of last campaign. Sweeping changes have been made to the Dutchman's coaching staff over the summer in an effort to boost his chances of success.
If Monday's performance is anything to go by, United have a lot of a sharpness to gain and a long way to go before they can think about fighting their way back into the Premier League's top four.
Related articles England target may U-turn on replacing Southgate due to Staveley and Man Utd Mason Greenwood transfer offer revealed as president opens up on Man Utd bidMaking his intentions clear before kick-off, Ten Hag told MUTV: "I want to see Man United's style: being hard to beat, intensity, giving yourself options." It seems as though he forgot to relay those words to the dressing room before his players delivered a flat performance at the Lerkendal Stadion.
function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)} window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})Granted, Rosenborg are in the midst of their own domestic season while many United stars have only recently returned from holiday, so there was always going to be a difference in terms of sharpness. But Ten Hag will have been alarmed that the difference was so drastic.
Starting the game with Mount in a deeper-lying midfield role alongside Casemiro, and Hannibal Mejbri playing as the No.10, United looked to have fallen behind inside 10 minutes when Rosenborg put the ball in the net, before the offside flag came to Ten Hag's rescue.
Erik ten Hag will have been disappointed with United's display in Trondheim (Image: Getty) Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The crossbar was the next thing to bail United out, before an important save from stand-in goalkeeper Radek Vitek. The 20-year-old's performance was a major positive on an otherwise discouraging evening for the Red Devils, and his reaction save onto the post in the second half was particularly eye-catching.
Mount was also heavily involved and showed flashes suggesting he could finally get out of first gear under Ten Hag this coming season. Whether that is in the deeper midfield role he assumed on Monday or further forward remains to be seen.
SUBSCRIBE Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Related articles Man Utd could spend £229m on five signings and have scary squad for next season Man Utd's Harry Maguire reacts to England losing Euros final without himHe set up Ethan Wheatley towards the end of the first half, but the youngster's powerful shot was palmed to safety. No fewer than 10 changes were made at the break, with Toby Collyer taking the armband for the second half, but the tide never turned.
And United's concern was compounded when Noah Holm turned in with virtually the last kick of the game.
If 'intensity' was the main thing Ten Hag was looking for, he certainly didn't find it. With less than a month before United face Manchester City in the Community Shield, Monday served as a reminder that United's coaching team must get to work.
Related articles Beat Ryanair luggage fees with 'trending' £20 bag Sadio Mane's Man Utd agreement, Liverpool reunion claims and response from agentMan Utd stars completely ignore Erik ten Hag as pre-season starts with Rosenborg defeat
Man Utd stars completely ignore Erik ten Hag as pre-season starts with Rosenborg defeat
Man Utd stars completely ignore Erik ten Hag as pre-season starts with Rosenborg defeat
Man Utd stars completely ignore Erik ten Hag as pre-season starts with Rosenborg defeat
Man Utd stars completely ignore Erik ten Hag as pre-season starts with Rosenborg defeat
Play online games for free at games.easybranches.com
Guest Post Services www.easybranches.com/contribute