Despite an impressive comeback to take a 3-2 lead against Chelsea, Manchester United suffered a devastating blow as Cole Palmer's hat-trick secured a late victory for the Blues. United's manager, Erik ten Hag, expressed frustration at his team's inability to manage the game effectively, lamenting their defensive lapses that led to conceding in stoppage time.
Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, ten Hag emphasized the need for better decision-making and teamwork in chaotic situations. However, he criticized the contentious penalty decision that sealed their fate, deeming it soft. United's defensive vulnerabilities were once again highlighted, with Chelsea registering 28 shots on goal, contributing to United's trend of conceding 20-plus shots in seven of their last eight Premier League games.
Despite these concerning statistics, ten Hag remained confident in his team's defensive abilities. With their European aspirations on the line, United faces uncertainty, with ten Hag's future at the club under scrutiny ahead of a crucial fixture against Liverpool, where they must address their defensive issues to bounce back from the defeat.
