Manchester United’s Ten Hag Cites ‘Unfair and Unjust’ Decisions After London Stadium Defeat

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag spoke to BBC Match of the Day following his team’s defeat at London Stadium, stating, “Three times this season we feel injustice. We have to score, we created so many chances, we should have been two or three goals up.” He elaborated on the match’s progression, noting, “In the second-half, we were forcing it but we allowed them into the game.” Ten Hag underscored the importance of team spirit when behind, adding, “When you are losing 1-0, you need big personality and character in the team and we showed resilience to get back into it.” Regarding a specific incident, Ten Hag declared, “It is unfair and unjust the way we conceded the penalty.” He further commented on the penalty decision itself, stating, “It was so difficult to see.” He then referred to VAR protocols, asserting, “Before the season, there was the instruction about VAR only interfering in clear and obvious mistakes. That is definitely not a clear and obvious mistake from the on-field referee.” The manager expressed his broader discontent, saying, “More frustrations, but I can do nothing with that. They don’t collect points and that is what we have to do. We have to look in the mirror. When you lose in this way it is a bad feeling.” When questioned about discussions with officials, Ten Hag confirmed, “I spoke with them but the decision is made. There is no way back and that is football.” He concluded by reiterating the recurring nature of his grievances: “That is the third time I’ve felt injustice this season. It has a big impact on our team, on our scores and where we are in the table. It is not right.”