Erik ten Hag Cites ‘Injustice’ Following Manchester United’s Defeat, Amidst Concerns Over Finishing

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed that it felt “unfair and unjust” as his team suffered a 2-1 loss to West Ham, attributing it to a contentious late penalty decision. His squad failed to convert numerous scoring opportunities and could have established a significant lead by halftime. However, Jarrod Bowen’s penalty ultimately resulted in United’s fourth Premier League defeat of the season. Initially dismissing penalty claims, referee David Coote was subsequently instructed by the video assistant referee (VAR) to review a challenge by Matthijs de Ligt on Danny Ings via the pitchside monitor. After an extended delay, Coote awarded the penalty, disregarding protests from United players regarding a potential handball by Ings before Bowen converted the penalty in the second minute of injury time. “Before the season there was the instruction about VAR only interfering in clear and obvious mistakes,” Ten Hag told BBC’s Match of the Day. “That is definitely not a clear and obvious mistake from the on-field referee.” The outcome elevated West Ham to 13th position in the Premier League, surpassing Manchester United by one place. United has secured only three victories in their initial nine matches. Ten Hag, the Dutch manager, stated he had spoken to the officials following the match at London Stadium. “I spoke with them,” added Ten Hag. “But the decision is made. There’s no way back and that’s football. That’s a third time I have felt injustice in the season and it has a big impact on our team and on our scores and where we are in the table. It’s not right.” The Premier League stated via its Match Centre account on X that a determination was made that there was sufficient contact to justify the penalty award. “The referee did not award a penalty to West Ham for a challenge by De Ligt on Ings,” the Premier League said. “The VAR deemed there was sufficient contact on Ings’ lower leg and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned his original decision and awarded a penalty.” When questioned about the penalty decision, West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui commented: “I didn’t see it. The players say it’s a penalty and the referee says it is a penalty, so I am sure they are right. I prefer to highlight that, after they scored, we keep the energy and positive momentum to win the match. I prefer to keep that energy.” United controlled possession and created superior scoring opportunities in the first half, with Alejandro Garnacho hitting the crossbar and Diogo Dalot failing to convert an open goal chance. Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford both saw their attempts saved by Lukasz Fabianski, while Bruno Fernandes headed the ball over the crossbar. Only Crystal Palace and Southampton (six each) have registered fewer Premier League goals than Manchester United’s tally of eight this season. The club exhibits the largest negative disparity between expected goals and actual goals scored in the competition this term (-6.56 – 8 goals, 14.56 xG). “We have to look in the mirror, we don’t score in a good game from our side,” said Ten Hag. “Create loads of chances and concede none, but when you lose in this way it’s a bad feeling. Six or seven 100 per cent chances we should have scored. But when we don’t score we have to stay calm. All over I don’t have so many criticisms about my team, other than not scoring. It’s not fair to pick one player [Dalot] out. I can also say Garnacho, twice, Hojlund one time, Rashford, Bruno. So many were missing chances.” United’s total of 11 points represents their second-lowest accumulation after nine matches, and they are also experiencing difficulties in the current Europa League group stage with just three points from their initial three fixtures. “What is going to happen with Erik ten Hag now? The pressure has ramped up to yet another level and things cannot continue like this,” former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “Football is so cruel because his side were miles the better team in the first half and should have been out of sight. Today they have been unlucky.” Manchester United has secured only one victory in their previous eight matches in all competitions. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is expected to focus on the VAR decision that impacted his team at the London Stadium. However, the perspectives of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chief executive Omar Berrada, and sporting director Dan Ashworth regarding the match are considered significant. United retained Ten Hag after his FA Cup final success against Manchester City. Reports on Friday indicated the club’s continued desire for the Dutchman to succeed, though he evidently needs to secure victories. United did not provide explicit public support for him during the international break earlier this month, so it is not expected that they will do so following this defeat. If the verdict is a negative one, the outcome will become apparent in due course.