'I expected something different' – Erik ten Hag on where Manchester United need to improve after brutal Bournemouth loss

Erik ten Hag during Manchester United's defeat to Bournemouth in December 2023.

Erik ten Hag's job is under threat

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has opened up on how his side need to improve after Saturday's humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth.

Ten Hag was helpless on the sidelines as the Red Devils fell to their seventh Premier League loss of the season and it could have been worse as the Cherries had a late fourth ruled out by VAR.

By that time, fans had flocked for the exit doors in big numbers, with the BBC reporting that Old Trafford was "half empty" in the closing stages.

Speaking after the game, Ten Hag told reporters: "Of course, annoyed, disappointed, definitely. I expected something different, I hoped before the game you can build on the performance and result from Chelsea, so it's very disappointing.

"The way we started the game and then I think a long time we did everything to get back in the game, we get one shot, almost a penalty, then in the build-up we make a mistake and we are not good enough in the rest of defence and that is disappointing.

"You're following facts, we put a lot of effort in to turn the game, but then the brilliance, the movement in the box were not there to get the equaliser. After the 2-0, we broke down so we have to do things better."

Ten Hag lamented United's poor start, which saw the Red Devils concede after just five minutes. 

"I think as I say, the way we started is no good, that is poor," he said. "It's first five minutes of the game and especially against an opponent like today, very good transition team, you give them perfect circumstances.

"It shouldn't happen but we did everything to turn in the game, we had a lot of attacks, we didn't come to a point to turn the game although we had opportunities."

Manchester United's Anthony Martial goes off after being substituted against Bournemouth in December 2023.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Ten Hag was also asked why United are so inconsistent and said: "That is the question but I think we have to always be ready for the game and so I have to take the responsibility for that. I have to prepare the team so they are ready for the game, from my point of view I'm very disappointed the way we started and we have to be better.

"We are really inconsistent, we have the abilities to do it, but you have to do it every game and every third day. I think, as a squad, we are not good enough to be consistent and we have to work as a squad to improve that."

And on Anthony Martial, whose substitution in the second half brought cheers from the home fans, he said: "Two weeks ago against Everton he played a very good game, he absolutely has the competences and abilities to play, so I don't think it's fair after a performance like this to go to one player, we as a group failed altogether."

More Manchester United stories

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid and France star Antoine Griezmann. Meanwhile, a former Barcelona defender could potentially be on his way to Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford could also be set to join him, having agreed personal terms with Barcelona. Almost half a year after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, David de Gea could be close to sealing a move to a new club

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has defended his training methods as the injuries pile up – with Mason Mount the latest player set for a spell on the sidelines.

Ben Hayward
Weekend editor

Ben Hayward is a European football writer and Tottenham Hotspur fan with over 15 years’ experience, he has covered games all over the world - including three World Cups, several Champions League finals, Euros, Copa America - and has spent much of that time in Spain. Ben speaks English and Spanish, currently dividing his time between Barcelona and London, covering all the big talking points of the weekend on FFT: he’s also written several list features and interviewed Guglielmo Vicario for the magazine.

Read more
Manchester United parted ways with Dutchman Erik ten Hag back in October 2024
Ex Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag drops shock management retirement claim
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim cannot seem to get a winning formula out of his side
'I have found myself again. At Manchester United, I continued working mentally and physically - I was preparing for this moment' United star provides insight to difficulties at Old Trafford
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim looks on following his side's recent defeat against Crystal Palace
'Last couple of games I watched Manchester United's warm-up and it fried my brain. C’mon, it’s a warm-up! Life is sucked out of footballers today' Manchester United icon SLAMS Ruben Amorim's tactics
Tottenham Hotspur target Erik ten Hag, May 2024
Tottenham make Ange Postecoglou sack decision - with 'sights set' on shock hiring of Erik ten Hag: report
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has signed off on a bizarre transfer at Old Trafford
'The reality is, it's Manchester United in name, the Man United we grew up with and I played against and were giants, is gone': Frosty prediction made amid Manchester United struggles
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 2: Ruben Amorim the head coach / manager of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Crystal Palace FC at Old Trafford on February 2, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is already statistically WORSE than Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford
Latest in Stories
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed