Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag said he was 'pleased' with his players despite seeing his team twice throw away a two-goal lead at Galatasaray.
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United led 2-0 and 3-1 at Galatasaray
End up drawing 3-3 in Champions League
Ten Hag finds positive after drawWHAT HAPPENED?
United looked on course for a vital win in the Champions League when Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes put the visitors 2-0 up in Turkey. Galatasaray did pull one back before Scott McTominay made it 3-1. However, a costly error by Andre Onana allowed the hosts to make it 3-2 before Kerem Akturkoglu rescued the draw. The result leaves United on the brink of elimination from the Champions League, but Ten Hag managed to find some positives after the final whistle.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT TEN HAG SAID
"We should have taken three points, it’s clear, but also in other games, home against Galatasaray, away at Copenhagen. I compliment the team and in the same moment I criticise them, and myself as we are not defending good enough. We were leading 3-1 and you can't afford such mistakes," he told .
"I am pleased at how dynamic and brave the team was. We created so many chances, especially at the end. Big chances. We played good football.
"I blame myself if we go out. Know that we are in a project and we are improving. We are in the right direction. I know where we have to go, what steps to take and I’m sure we will be successful in the long term but if you want to stay in the Champions League you need to win these games."
Getty THE BIGGER PICTURE
The draw is the latest poor result in what's been a disappointing campaign for Ten Hag at United. The Red Devils' Champions League hopes are now hanging by a thread, while questions will be asked of Ten Hag's decision to bring in Onana this summer after another error-strewn performance by the goalkeeper.
DID YOU KNOW?
Manchester United have conceded 33 goals in all competitions this season, the most in their opening 20 matches of any season since 1962-63.
