Erik ten Hag has insisted Manchester United are “on the way up”, despite being outclassed by Manchester City at Old Trafford. On a chastening day for United, the manager claimed his team had performed “very well” and defended his unusual team selection.
Ten Hag chose Jonny Evans at centre‑back over Raphaël Varane and Victor Lindelöf at left-back in favour of Sergio Reguilón as part of a back four that was unable to cope with City. After the match he argued that his defenders had “played very well” in what was a fifth defeat in 10 Premier League games, leaving them in eighth position, eight points off the top four and 11 behind the leaders, Tottenham.
