Ten Hag and United must clear their head

FOR the first time this season, a United player did not chat to the written press on Sunday.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

A few players mumbled answers in their obligatory mixed zone debriefs with the rights holders but skipped scrutiny from the press.

Erik ten Hag had already held court curtly with them in the dressing room, lamenting the players' lack of self-belief.

In the press conference room, Erik ten Hag offered his 'respect' to Cristiano Ronaldo with a peculiar answer legislating for his unused status. Kevin De Bruyne also paid his respect to 'the king' by obtaining Ronaldo's sweatless shirt.

Ten Hag bristled at a question about Christian Eriksen marking Erling Haaland. He seemed to be the last person in the Etihad aware of Eriksen's attempt to handle Haaland, about as resistant as plaster withstanding a sledgehammer.

Ten Hag admitted United were 'hammered' and time will tell if he takes a hatchet to the team.