Ten Hag claims United did 'very well' in Bayern defeat

Adam Drury at Old Trafford
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Erik ten Hag has overseen Manchester United's worst group-stage campaign
Erik ten Hag has overseen Manchester United's worst group-stage campaign

Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United played "very well" in the 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich that saw them knocked out of Europe.

United managed just one shot on target during a low-key game at Old Trafford, decided by Kingsley Coman's second-half goal.

But the Dutchman was pleased with his side's efforts and rued their missed opportunities.

He said: "I think the defensive organisation and the pressing organisation we did very well.

"There was a good intensity to the game and we brought Bayern out of their rhythm. 

"Especially in the first part of the second half, we had the ball high up the pitch but we didn't benefit from it.

"We had a very good chance with Bruno's [Fernandes] shot just over the goal. We had our moments but did not take them."

Ten Hag did concede that winning once and not qualifying from a group featuring Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen was a major disappointment, expressing regret that they did not take advantage of scoring first in all four games against those sides.

The United boss pointed to injuries as a key reason for their failure but also acknowledged that they should have progressed anyway.

He said: "We had opportunities in games when we were in winning positions and we scored many goals.

Erik ten Hag was pleased with Manchester United's performance against Bayern Munich
Erik ten Hag was pleased with Manchester United's performance against Bayern Munich

"We gave it away sometimes with individual errors. If you assess it, we had very good spells in games but we have to do better.

"We have also lost players who are very decisive for our game, who could make the difference and who we wanted to play.

"Even today we had to make subs.

"But I don't see that as an excuse because even when we are not all on board we still have to win. That is the target of Manchester United. 

"The fact is we do not have enough points. We should have done better."

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Champions LeagueManchester United