Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag admits to 'very mixed emotions' after entertaining Liverpool draw

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag admits to 'very mixed emotions' after entertaining Liverpool draw

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Man Utd and Liverpool draw at Old Trafford

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 07/04/2024

- 18:24

Updated: 07/04/2024

- 18:34

The Red Devils blew the chance to consign their rivals to defeat on Sunday

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has reacted following his side's 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, admitting he feels conflicted about the result.

Luis Diaz struck to put the Reds ahead, only for goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo to turn the match around.


However, Liverpool ended up leaving with a point after a penalty from Mohamed Salah - which came after Aaron Wan-Bissaka fouled Harvey Elliot inside the box.

Ten Hag has now provided his assessment of the match.

Man Utd news Erik ten Hag Liverpool

Man Utd news: Erik ten Hag has admitted to 'very mixed emotions' after his side's Premier League draw with Liverpool on Sunday

GETTY

And the 54-year-old has admitted he felt conflicted after seeing the best and worst of his side.

He told the BBC: "Very mixed emotions.

"On one side I am disappointed that we have dropped seven points in one week after being in winning positions, but we have to blame ourselves for making stupid mistakes.

"On the other side I am very proud.

"You see how we are improving and the potential of this squad is amazing - I am proud.

"In decisive areas we were losing battles especially with young players we were not confident to win them [duels].

"We encouraged in the second half to do better and they stepped up."

On belief, and the importance of it, he added: "It's two things.

"One thing is physical after Thursday, a big intense game, and then return from London dealing with the frustration.

"On the other side is the belief that you can win such duels.

"I don't know [about the league position], We will keep fighting and we have to do the same and learn from the moments.

"Brentford was our worst performance, we didn't deserve to win there."

Mainoo has also spoken out following the result.

It was another mature showing from the 18-year-old, who continues to establish himself as an important player for Ten Hag.

And Mainoo admitted he was 'disappointed' his stunning goal wasn't enough for United to consign their fiercest rivals to defeat.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Man Utd news

Man Utd news: Bruno Fernandes celebrates his brilliant goal against Liverpool on Sunday

GETTY

"Disappointed to be honest," said the teenager.

"I think we performed really well in the second half. The lads made minor mistakes and if we iron them out then we win the game.

"It's an unbelievable feeling to score my first Old Trafford goal and to do it in this fixture was even more special. We didn't get the three points and that's the main thing.

"Mistakes happen in games and they can be detrimental. It's tough and it takes it out of you."

He added: "We have given it away, ultimately we wanted the three points and it's a big game for us coming to the end of the season.

Man Utd news

Man Utd news: Kobbie Mainoo netted a stunner during his side's enthralling 2-2 draw with Liverpool

GETTY

"To not come away with three points is tough to take.

"Again penalties have cost us, but we have to keep on working ironing out these details that keep costing us and keep trying to get better."

United are next in action against Bournemouth on Saturday (5.30pm).

The Red Devils lost 3-0 to the Cherries at Old Trafford when they last met back in December.

You may like