After Manchester United’s recent draw against Brentford, coach Erik ten Hag offered sincere reflections on the match, emphasizing some key points to clarify the team’s performance and spirit.

In his post-match remarks, ten Hag acknowledged that Brentford had shown greater hunger and determination than Manchester United, admitting that “Brentford wanted it more than us the entire game.” This recognition underscores Brentford’s level of determination and motivation, contrasting with Manchester United’s possibly less-than-optimal spirit.

Furthermore, ten Hag suggested that part of Manchester United’s performance decline might be attributed to the disruption caused by the international break, a period known to affect team rhythm and cohesion. He noted that “after the international break, the levels are never as high as before,” implying that this disruption had impacted the team’s sharpness and readiness.

Despite salvaging a point from the match, ten Hag emphasized the importance of maintaining a winning mentality and not relinquishing advantages. He conceded, “We were lucky to get a point, yes, but if you are winning, then you shouldn’t give it away.” This statement highlights the coach’s expectations regarding the team’s ability to sustain advantages and efficiently close out matches.

Overall, ten Hag’s comments provide valuable insights into Manchester United’s performance in the match against Brentford, while also emphasizing the challenges posed by external factors such as the international break and the importance of maintaining an unrelenting competitive spirit throughout the season.