“A bad, unprofessional performance”, Erik ten Hag says after 7-0 demolition v Liverpool

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By Martin Graham | 6th Mar 2023

Erik ten Hag and Manchester United both suffered their biggest defeats ever: a 7-0 thrashing when they travelled to Anfield on Sunday in the Premier League.

The Red Devils were confident going into the game but in the end, the intimidating atmosphere of Anfield took over and they were stifled both physically, mentally and tactically which saw them concede a record seven goals in one game.

Braces from each of Liverpool’s new look front three of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nuñez, rounded off by a goal from the ever-dependable Roberto Firmino saw them put to the sword in an embarrassing fashion.

The outcome sent shockwaves down the spines of the pundits across various studios but the most rattled was Manchester United boss ten Hag, who not only suffered his biggest loss but got the unfortunate privilege of being the man who oversaw Manchester United’s biggest loss ever.

The Dutchman did not spare his players in his post-match comments.

“It was a really bad performance and the worst of the year,” Ten Hag told BBC Five Live after United’s defeat. “We lost the game at the end of the first-half and at the start of the second but you have to keep your head up and we didn’t.

“It’s all about showing discipline and we didn’t, so that’s when you start conceding goals.

“It’s a really unprofessional performance and unnecessary. You have to do your jobs and we didn’t.”

He also apologised to Manchester United’s travelling support for the show of shame that they travelled all the way to Merseyside to witness.

Some fans began to leave the stadium at 5 – 0 and it showed their anger at the way that the team performed.

“That was tough and we really have to thank them,” the former Ajax Amsterdam manager said. “I can’t blame them for leaving because it was a really bad performance, I’m ashamed myself for the fans today.”

Sky Sports journalists also got in on the act and asked the Dutch manager for explanations.

“I don’t have an explanation,” he said. “In the first half we were quite in control. Second half at the start we gave two goals away. There was no team anymore. We didn’t stick to the plan. There were 11 individuals.

“I don’t know, it’s really bad. I have given my opinion [to the players]. It was unprofessional. You always have to stick together as a team. We didn’t do that. There was no discipline. You have can setbacks but you have to stick together and do your job.

“We made the wrong decisions. That for me is unprofessional. I’m really disappointed and angry. We let our fans down. As a squad, as a team, you cannot allow this. You have to stick together and support each other and fight for each other. You have to defend. We didn’t do that and for me that is really unprofessional.

“We have made a lot of progress but you see what happens when you don’t keep standards.

“What I have said in the dressing room is that this is unacceptable. But also it is only one game. We will bounce back. This team is strong enough and we will reset and bounce back.”