Erik ten Hag has praised a ‘good performance’ from Manchester United despite his side’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad.
Marcus Rashford fired Manchester United into an early lead with a stunning strike from distance, but the Red Devils were unable to hold onto that half-time advantage as City came from behind to win.
Phil Foden’s fantastic hit levelled after the break, before the 23-year-old struck a second past Andre Onana to hand Pep Guardiola’s side the lead. Erling Haaland scored a third in stoppage time for the Citizens, after substitute Sofyan Amrabat was dispossessed in a dangerous area.
For United, it was an 11th defeat of a disappointing Premier League campaign, though Ten Hag insisted he saw positives in the performance from his team.
“I think it was a good performance overall, we went 1-0 up and we had our moments after it to score the second one,” Ten Hag told BBC Match of the Day.
“We defended very well and there were two defining moments when we nearly made a breakthrough and conceded the first goal.
“Then you are disappointed, we have to accept it and still were had the opportunities to at least get one point, but the win was also possible.”
On Manchester United’s game plan, Ten Hag added: “Getting behind the defending line with the speed of Garnacho, already after a couple of minutes there was some good breakthrough and then quickly after it was a good goal from Rashford.
“We closed the middle very good and the box very good.
“We stuck to the plan and we had the moment of the reckless action of the goalkeeper of City and after that attack we conceded the goal.”
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