Erik ten Hag admits tactical failure against Nottingham Forest

Erik ten Hag has admitted that there was a failure to anticipate Nottingham Forrest’s change in system during his side’s win in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.

Manchester United came out of the match as 3-0 winners, courtesy of goals from Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst and Bruno Fernandes, with a second leg at Old Trafford the only thing standing between United and a cup final.

Ten Hag praised the Reds’ control over the first leg, saying: “I’m happy with the performance. For 90 minutes we were in control of the game. But still, one leg to go.”

However, the Dutchman made it clear that, despite their control over the match, United must be more clinical, explaining: “We almost let them come back into the game and we cannot allow that. So much control, we dictated the game, but one moment can change that. We cannot allow it.”

Elaborating on his side’s control of the game, Ten Hag admitted he had failed to anticipate the change Steve Cooper would make to his Nottingham Forrest side, with this almost allowing Forrest back into the tie.

“They changed the system and we did not anticipate that. That can’t happen. That’s a moment that we have to improve.”

“We almost let them come back into the game and we cannot allow that. So much control, we dictated the game, but one moment can change that. We cannot allow it.”

Forrest nearly did come back into the tie, with winger, Sam Surridge, having a goal ruled out at 1-0 for an extremely tight offside call.

However, United ultimately stood resolute and gave themselves a monumental advantage heading into the second leg next Wednesday on the 1st of February.

The Manchester United boss made it clear that, despite their advantage, United still had work to do in preparation for the second leg, “We have to do the same [next week]. Invest, prepare and have a good game plan. The players have to be focused.”

Ultimately, United fans can be extremely happy heading into the second tie, with an FA Cup fourth-round visit from Reading the only fixture in between the two legs of the semi-final.