Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said some of his players did not give 100 per cent against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Thursday after they threw away a two-goal lead and drew 2-2.
Goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford had put United 2-0 up at half time but Pedro Porro and Son Heung-min struck in the second half to salvage a draw for Tottenham.
Ten Hag said United's hectic schedule was a factor but added that it cannot be used as an excuse for the draw, which kept them fourth on 60 points, two points behind Newcastle United, who have played a game more.
"The time is enough to recover. Our players are in demand to be ready. Today (Thursday) we were not ready. Some thought 90 per cent is enough. But we lose focus," Ten Hag told reporters.
"That's why we give goals away. We did not do our jobs in positioning."
"Of course when you are 2-0 up then you are a little bit disappointed when you draw," Ten Hag said. "We had the chances after 2-1 to score... and we didn't and we conceded the goal. I think this week 2-2 is a good draw."
United had travelled to Tottenham four days after defeating Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. They also played at Sevilla in the Europa League last week.
"I know they are not robots and it is a tough schedule. But when you are playing for Man United and playing away, you have to give (everything) on every occasion," Ten Hag added.
Tottenham interim manager Ryan Mason praised his team's character after they bounced back from a 6-1 thrashing at Newcastle.
"In football, you win, lose, draw, but the most important thing is that we are united and act as a team. I have a team that is willing to fight," said Mason after his first game in charge in his second spell as interim boss.
Son said their comeback was driven by anger after an "unacceptable" performance last time out.
Klopp eyes slot in Europa
Liverpool: Liverpool will take the chance to qualify for the Europa League as they look to squeeze everything out of a disappointing season, manager Juergen Klopp said ahead of Sunday’s home Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur.
Liverpool are in the seventh spot, seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester United having played a game more and are unlikely to qualify for the Champions League.
Asked if they would be happy to play in the Europa League, Klopp told reporters on Friday: “We take what we get. It is not that we said that would be fantastic at the start of the season but this season taught us a few things. If it is Europa League, it is Europa League.
“I want to play the best possible football. We have to be focused on the Tottenham game. What happens in the next few weeks will be very important for next season.”
Liverpool beat West Ham United 2-1 away on Wednesday to claim a third straight league win for the first time this year. “It’s too early to speak about consistency.”
Reuters
