Erik ten Hag slams Manchester United defending for Melbourne Victory goal

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United defenders folded "like a pack of cards" for Melbourne Victory's goal in their 4-1 win.

Chris Ikonomidis gave the A-League side an early lead in a move that started from a goal kick. Luke Shaw pushed high up into the Melbourne half and the ball was played past him and then Victor Lindelof.

Harry Maguire, on his first appearance under Ten Hag, failed to anticipate the threat and was left behind by Ikonomidis, who swept in the cross from Ben Folami.

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Maguire missed the victory over Liverpool in Bangkok on Tuesday through injury but his slackness was eerily similar to when Liverpool scored their first goal in the 4-0 hammering of United at Anfield in April.

United recovered from the setback to win 4-1 through goals from Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and an own goal.

Ten Hag was reluctant to criticise any individuals but was unhappy with United's defensive set-up. "I know, I don't want to talk about the individual because I think it was from the start, high up the pitch, the wrong choices and then it ends up like a pack of cards.

"It's not one individual, it is more the team who made mistakes."

Although Maguire has retained the captaincy, he is set to face more competition from Argentinian centre-back Lisandro Martinez, due to complete a £46million transfer to United.

Martinez's arrival could relegate Lindelof to fourth-choice centre-back and Ten Hag has already signed Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia to give Shaw fresh competition.

Lindelof retained his starting spot as Raphael Varane was nursing a minor injury and not risked at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

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