Erik ten Hag has urged the leaders among his Manchester United players to “stand up and take control” after suffering another defeat at the hands of Galatasaray.
United twice led in the game through Rasmus Hojlund’s double but after Casemiro was sent off for a second bookable offence for bringing down Dries Mertens in the box, Mauro Icardi scored late on to secure the win for the Turkish side and make amends for his earlier penalty miss.
“I have to give them instructions of what to do but also the togetherness of the team,” the United boss said.
“Some of the leaders have to stand up and take control of the situation.
“We are twice in control of the game, we are leading, and then you have to finish the game.
“You have to reach the stage of the game we are in and then you have to take control or stay in control, go for another goal and not concede such an easy goal.
“We have to be more smart in such moments. As a manager, I have to give the team the tools for what to do in such circumstances.
“Definitely we have to stay more compact and be more smart and keep the ball in such moments.”
Goalkeeper Andre Onana endured another difficult game for his new club, giving the ball away which led to Casemiro’s sending off and was beaten easily by Icardi’s lobbed finish to win the game.
“I have to talk with more players, but I also have to talk with Andre of course,” ten Hag said.
“I will encourage him and I have to back him. He’s a great goalkeeper.
“We talk a lot but it’s not only about talking. You can only get up when you take the result, you have to stick together and fight together and take the responsibility together.”
