Erik ten Hag has warned his misfiring attackers that they must be more disciplined defensively as Manchester United's topsy-turvy season risked hitting a new low when they fell behind to Sheffield United.
Bruno Fernandes would go on to inspire United to a 4-2 win over the struggling Blades, but Ten Hag is unhappy with his side's effort and discipline out of possession.
In recent weeks the defensive effort of Antony and Marcus Rashford, who overnight called out what he feels is 'abuse' aimed in his direction, has been called out by supporters.
'Out of possession, we have to be better organised, be more disciplined and to play at a higher intensity,' Ten Hag said.
'Keep doing the stuff in possession because we've made huge progress in this season in possession, in attacking transition, we've scored so many goals.
'You see the progress from the first season half and the second season half has been immense. We developed our attacking way of playing.'
Pressed on why United continue to look so vulnerable defensively, Ten Hag was not interested in pinning the blame solely on his ever-changing back-line.
'Our attacking players have to contribute more, more discipline and more pressure on the ball.'
Harry Maguire remains United's only fit senior centre back heading into Saturday's clash with Burnley, with Brazilian midfielder Casemiro again expected to deputise alongside him.
Ten Hag is having to get 'creative' with his line-ups, in his own words, but accepts his hands are tied as defensive partnerships are becoming impossible to build.
'It's difficult,' he said. 'I know that from my experience.
'Partnerships are so important in top football. Everything is decided in split seconds so you need partnerships, you know where to run, those small appointments between each other.
'It's so important to have the right connections to be stable.'
jemdklru
0
why is raspy turn a round every time he need to forward whit the ball plse play forward
wimlmpru
0
and defenders to put in more attacking effort..
daheroda8
0
That demand was already put to the players long before u came. It's the players issue or your issue
Jinabcou
2
in simple terms please people...he is say"attackers should not lose the ball so careless"example Rashford ,he can be given the ball but only to give away to opponents and then stands just like that.as a result pressure is coming to his team mate. as an attacker you don't have to lose the ball so easily,you must have that pace, agressive on the ball to pressure the defenders,not 4 chances created and failing to get the goal from all these no no no no
Delcastro49
0
instead of calling them out to be clinical infrastructure of goal he is telling them to be defensive if the learn to utilise their chances the defenders will also step up their defensive game but telling your attacker to defend when goals are lacking upfront that's a very poor mentality for me
doccdkpu
0
He is learning
yucacilu
0
rashford go go go
Harshmaan07
0
And he demands his defenders to put attacking efforts 🥳
jipceiloyz
1
Yah yah...you will see Rashford and Anthony pretending to jog back just pretending to be defending ...🤣🤣🤣
zutbklnsuy
2
Both Antony & Rashford are worst defender.
Adam_kingz
3
I feel Rashford should go.. we need a new 10
wosbikmst
0
The coach and his entire players are they serious at all? in Sir Alex Ferguson era, who are you to be playing football like nothing is as take. Top 4 team last season