Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag demands that his defence ‘learn lessons’ after Arsenal defeat

Erik ten Hag has told his Manchester United players to take a lesson from their painful defeat at Arsenal as he tries to hand over his first trophy in six years.

United lost for the first time in 11 games at the Emirates when Eddie Nketiah’s 90th-minute goal sealed the Gunners’ 3–2 victory, with Ten Hag stating that all three goals were “avoidable”.

As United look to return to winning ways in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night, Ten Hag urged his players to learn from their mistakes.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has asked his side to improve in defense

United conceded three goals to Arsenal in a costly defeat for their Premier League title aspirations

“In general, against Arsenal we defended very well,” said the Dutchman. ‘They didn’t take clean shots, it was once a free kick. There was a lot of defense between the ball and the goal.

“But all the goals were avoidable and that’s my point: it can’t happen. When you concede three goals in a top game you can’t win, that’s one of the conclusions. We have to learn this lesson.

We left it behind. We said the right conclusions, then we have to move on and fast because tomorrow is a big game and focus on that.”

Eddie Nketiah scores Arsenal’s first goal in their 3-2 win over Manchester United on Sunday

It’s been six years since United last won a trophy when José Mourinho delivered the Europa League and EFL Cup in 2017.

Ten Hag admits it’s too long and wants to take a big step towards the final in March before next week’s second leg at Old Trafford. The two ties fall to either side of Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round clash with Reading.

“It’s all about winning trophies, so we have a good chance, but we have to go game by game,” Ten Hag said. “Now we’re playing Forest over two games, so focus on the first leg and don’t think ahead because that will distract us.”

United have not won a major trophy since lifting the Europa League in the 2016-17 season

‘It’s the best feeling you can have, winning a trophy. I have been lucky in my career to win a few and it is magnificent, especially for the fans. It’s great and I think the fans here have some experience, especially the older ones.

‘In this period, Man United won no trophies and it was too long ago. We are aware of that fact and we have to do it again.

Taking on Forest at the City Ground, he added: “United have been playing there for a long time. There will be a good atmosphere and I think we like that when it’s a fanatical audience. I think it will motivate the players and we have to prepare for that.” .