Erik ten Hag blasts Manchester United stars for ‘unacceptable’ loss of focus

Erik ten Hag told Manchester United’s players their lack of focus was “unacceptable” after blowing a two-goal lead against Aston Villa in the final match of their pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand.

The curtain came down on the four-game series on a sodden pitch in Perth, where United managed to produce a promising first-half performance in challenging conditions.

Jadon Sancho volleyed home his third goal of the tour at the end of a fine United team move to open the scoring in a first half that ended with Marcus Rashford’s strike deflecting in off Matty Cash.

But just like January’s meeting between these sides in the Premier League, Steven Gerrard’s Villa roared back to secure a 2-2 draw as Leon Bailey’s fine solo goal was added to by Calum Chambers’ stoppage-time header.

“In our team it was clear there was a dip,” United boss Ten Hag said. “First half really good. I think we controlled the game, good football, good change of play.

“We had a lot of movement behind the defending line, made great goals and 2-0 up at half-time. Then a drop of focus. It can be that the guys are tired but it’s never an excuse.

“They have to perform and it is what we didn’t do in the second half. But the first half really good.

“It was the focus. I don’t want to make excuses about the pitch or weather. No matter what we have to perform.”

Asked if the late leveller may be good for the players as it underlines that one slight drop in focus can be costly, Ten Hag said: “That is what we just said in the dressing room.