'Focus on the job' - Erik ten Hag urges Manchester United players to avoid on-pitch distractions

Erik ten Hag has stressed that Manchester United's players must avoid distractions during matches after losing a two-goal lead against Sevilla.

United were in control of their Europa League quarter-final first-leg tie before a late lapse from Tyrell Malacia, followed by an unfortunate deflection off of Harry Maguire's head, saw the Spanish side rescue a draw at Old Trafford ahead of next week's second leg.

While Ten Hag has said there were positives from the first-half performance, he has warned United's players they must improve their mentality to see out such situations in the future.

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"We have to show more personality, play the game in our principles and rules, and stick to that, and don't get distracted by anything," Ten Hag told Sky Sports. "Not by away fans, not by away opponents, not by bad decisions from referees. No, focus on the job you have to do as a team."

While results at Old Trafford are largely excellent, with United now unbeaten in their last 25 home matches, winning 24, the manager is aiming for more consistency away from home - starting against Nottingham Forest. "I think we proved already that we can win big away games or get good results like in Barcelona, like in Betis," Ten Hag added. "So that is the evidence.

"Also, in the Premier League, we had very good results in away games, so we know how to do it, and now we have to do it on a consistent basis, and that is the standard we are aiming for."