‘I didn’t feel it’ – Ten Hag plays down Leeds atmosphere as Man Utd boss identifies ‘big problem’
Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag believes it was a “great atmosphere” at Elland Road but admits he “didn’t feel the hostility” during his side’s 2-0 win against Leeds.
The Red Devils came out on top at Elland Road after Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho’s strikes in the final ten minutes of the match.
The result was marred by vulgar chanting from both sets of supporters.
Both clubs put out a joint statement after small groups of rival fans traded grim chants about the 1958 Munich disaster and the death of two Leeds fans in Istanbul in 2000.
It was a buoyant atmosphere at Elland Road, but Ten Hag admits he did not feel any “hostility”.
“I didn’t feel the hostility,” the Dutch manager said. “I think it was a great atmosphere, a great ambience. It has to be in a rivalry like this. We really enjoyed it.”
Rashford continued his brilliant scoring form with a header and Ten Hag has said the England international “convinced” him of his ability and “high potential” when he first saw him play.
“I was convinced from the first moment,” the Man Utd boss said. “I was really excited to work with him. I thought I could get more out of him. He has such high potential.”
On the win against Leeds, Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “It’s about more composure in the game, I think that was the big problem.
“It’s normal – it’s a derby, it’s a rivalry but in possession you have to be calm and we were not calm enough. But we are happy with the win.”
While Ten Hag was satisfied to walk away with a victory, he was still dwelling on dropping points against their rivals at Old Trafford earlier in the week.
He added: “When you go to Elland Road and collect three points, you are happy and satisfied.
“But (I’m) still a little bit disappointed after dropping points against them (on Wednesday) because it was unnecessary.”
Leeds caretaker boss Michael Skubala insisted he was “really proud” despite the defeat.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, he said: “I’m really proud of the group. I thought we had more of the game and tried to win it.
“I thought we were on top for long periods and created chances. I’m deflated that we haven’t got anything out of it.”
Leeds defender Luke Ayling feels his side can take the positives despite the defeat.
He said on Sky Sports: “We played really well for 80 minutes and we gave it our all. We had some big chances in the second half.
“But they had one chance and you can’t give a player who’s that much in confidence time in the box to score goals. We’re going to have to take the positives from it.
“I think we can be proud of the last four days in a week that’s been tricky for the club, we stuck together and we’ve played really well in these two games and now we move on to next Saturday.”
Ayling added his support for the job interim boss Michael Skubala is doing.
The defender added: “We aren’t sure what’s going on behind the scenes if we’re close to getting a manager but (Skubala) and his staff have done an absolutely brilliant job these last few days. Our team effort has shown that.”
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