Erik ten Hag has claimed that Manchester City were fortunate to win one of their games in the Premier League this season.
The Manchester United boss seems to have no qualms about making such a comment about his side’s cross-town rivals.
It is quite rare for managers to reference another team’s displays while discussing theirs in the press.
Erik ten Hag says Manchester City were “lucky” to beat Brentford
On Saturday, Manchester United drew 1-1 to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
It seemed like the visitors had secured yet another late victory after Mason Mount’s 96-minute strike but just three minutes later, Kristoff Ajer equalized in what was a dramatic finish to the game.
As United dropped points yet again, Erik ten Hag emphasised how Manchester City were also fortuitous in their win against Brentford.
“Don’t lower the performances from Brentford because I’ve seen them against Man City and City was also lucky to win that game and I’ve also first seen them against Liverpool and in the first 35 minutes, Brentford should have taken the lead, don’t go on to express this”, he said [via HaytersTV].
Erik ten Hag did not specify which out of the two wins Manchester City earned against Brentford.
Away from home, City beat the Bees 3-1 in convincing fashion, with Phil Foden scoring a brilliant hat-trick, so one doubts that the Dutchman was referring to that game.
Perhaps Erik ten Hag meant Manchester City were lucky to win 1-0 against Brentford at home this season.
Erik ten Hag is wide off the mark in his statement
There was certainly a 20-odd-minute spell after the first half in which Thomas Frank’s side dominated proceedings and created chances against the Sky Blues.
However, Erik ten Hag seems to be forgetting that Manchester City took 11 shots on target and had 70% possession in a game where they were far from their best but still deserved to win against Brentford on the balance of play.
United, on the other hand, conceded as many shots on target as they took (five) in their latest outing and only had 53% of the ball.
The Red Devils also conceded 31 shots in total and according to Squawka Live, the West London side had the most touches inside the opposition’s box out of any team in a single Premier League game this season (80).
Manchester City might not have been at their vintage best but to suggest they were “lucky” is seemingly a way of Erik ten Hag deflecting from the fact that Manchester United somehow earned a draw after being demolished by Brentford.