Ten Hag admits United draw may prove costly
Erik Ten Hag admitted Brentford’s late equaliser is likely to prove costly in Manchester United’s already dwindling bid for a place in next season's UEFA Champions League.
United did little to turn down the noise surrounding manager Ten Hag’s future after an ultimately dramatic but largely uninspiring 1-1 draw in west London.
It looked to have turned a lifeless display into an unlikely three points after Mason Mount climbed off the bench to fire them ahead six minutes into stoppage-time.
But Brentford equalised less than three minutes later through Kristoffer Ajer to snatch a point which was the least it deserved.
“We didn’t deserve to win but if you are winning you have to take this. Normally we are good in those circumstances,” Ten Hag said.
“In terms of aggressiveness Brentford was better but when you are winning the game you should bring it over the line.
“When you don’t play well you still have to win and we did it, almost. We didn’t play well but there was spirit and fight but not enough.
“There are still many games to go. Of course the points could be more expensive by the end. It should have been three points. By the end we will know. It could be an important point.
“Don’t lower the performance from Brentford, I’ve seen them against Man City, against Liverpool. But we should have done this better.
“I’m not happy with the performance, there is no misunderstanding. We should be consistent in the way we take a game and perform.”
Thomas Frank, whose side is now five points clear of the relegation zone, said: “I know we beat Man United 4-0 last year but I think we played better today.
“The way we dominated the game throughout, in terms of shots and dangerous situations, was very, very impressive.
“The way we dominated – 31 shots – how we are not winning that game I do not know.
“I almost lost faith in the football god when they scored, brutal. But the ability to come back from that is incredible.”
