We lack good luck _ Ten Hag over Man United failure

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United’s embattled manager, expressed frustration over his team’s finishing after a disappointing 2-1 loss to West Ham on Sunday. The defeat left United in 14th place in the Premier League, with Jarrod Bowen scoring a controversial penalty in stoppage time to secure all three points for the Hammers.

West Ham took the lead against the run of play through Crysencio Summerville with 16 minutes remaining, but Casemiro equalized soon after. Ten Hag was particularly incensed by the penalty awarded after VAR intervened following a clash between Matthijs de Ligt and Danny Ings in the box.

He highlighted the inconsistency in VAR decisions, noting that his captain Bruno Fernandes had a red card rescinded after a previous match against Tottenham. “They explained that VAR should only interfere when it’s clear and obvious,” Ten Hag remarked, pointing out the discrepancies in officiating.

Despite the penalty controversy, Ten Hag acknowledged that a familiar lack of clinical finishing cost United a much-needed win. Diogo Dalot missed a clear opportunity, while Alejandro Garnacho and Fernandes also failed to convert significant chances during a dominant first half.

“We created so many chances and played great football, especially in the first half. We should have scored six or seven clear opportunities,” he said. United’s tally of just eight goals in their first nine league games is the lowest in the Premier League era, and they have only won three matches.

Ten Hag noted that, despite recent struggles, he saw positive signs in a 2-1 victory over Brentford and a 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce leading up to the West Ham match. “At the moment, luck is not on our side,” he stated, reflecting on the need to turn their fortunes around. He remains determined that, if they continue playing well, their situation will improve.