Manchester United Cannot Keep Wasting So Many Chances – Says Erik ten Hag

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, said wasted chances remain a major concern after his side labored to a 1-0 win over Fulham in their Premier League opener on Friday.

A hopeful Old Trafford crowd was left disappointed for much of the opening match of the English top-flight season as they watched their team struggle to generate scoring opportunities.

When they did present themselves, they were mostly squandered, until substitute Joshua Zirkzee netted a late winner on his debut.

“I think one area we have to get right is how to kill (games) in the box,” Ten Hag told reporters. “We saw it in the friendlies and last week against (Manchester) City (in United’s Community Shield loss).

“We created enough chances and should not to have wait for a late winner. We have to be more composed and kill teams.

“Maybe it is because it is the start of the season, and players have to come to full speed. We have enough players with scoring abilities.”

Erik ten Hag Hails Joshua Zirkzee

Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag with Joshua Zirkzee

Erik ten Hag has clarified his reasons for encouraging Manchester United to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, noting that the summer signing scored a late winner, to help the Red Devils beat Fulham 1-0 in their Premier League opener.

Zirkzee scored a cleverly flicked goal in 87 minutes to cap off a dream debut off the bench at Old Trafford on Friday night.

Joshua Zirkzee celebrating his goal against Fulham with Lisandro Martinez

He joined United from Bologna for a fee of £35.8 million this summer and was making his debut for the club, alongside ex-Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

“It’s very good for a striker coming into Manchester United to score the winning goal in his first game”, Ten Hag said. “For him, it’s very pleasing. Very happy for him. Very encouraging for him, for the fans, for everyone. It’s a very good start.”

Asked why United had signed Zirkzee, his fellow Dutchman replied: “He has some attributes we didn’t have. Straight away, he showed it. He’s very good with linking up and combinations.

“He has to arrive in the box to score goals. He did. And if it’s the winner then it’s very pleasing for everyone.”

Ten Hag on Jadon Sancho

Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund but was expected to feature for United this season. Ten Hag was quizzed as to why he left the Englishman out of his squad to face Fulham.

“We need squad depth; it will be survival of the fittest”, Ten Hag explained. “There can only be 20 players in the squad. We have to make choices. Jadon, in the week, had an ear infection. He was not 100 percent fit for this. He could play, but we made a choice.”

United wasted two golden opportunities in the first half when Bruno Fernandes was denied by Bernd Leno on two occasions after receiving line-breaking passes from Casemiro.

Ten Hag explained Casemiro will not play a more attacking role this season but did pay tribute to the Brazilian’s quality when going forward.

Casemiro trying to score with his head against Fulham

“A midfielder has to defend and has to attack. Everyone knows Casemiro is a brilliant passer. Very good interpretation, good in duels, but also he’s a good linker and a good passer.”