MARCUS RASHFORD HAS defended Manchester United’s effort in a historic 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool, with the Red Devils’ top scorer putting a second-half collapse down to a lack of organisation.
United equalled their heaviest-ever defeat in a competitive game and worst since 1931 at Anfield after conceding six times in the second period.
“We didn’t give up, that’s nonsense,” said Rashford at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday ahead of United’s Europa League last 16, first leg against Real Betis.
“We were unorganised, yes, communication was bad, yes, that’s why we conceded the goals.
“But it comes down to the fact that I believe everyone was trying to get back in the game that much we came away from the team’s principles in and out of possession.”
Bruno Fernandes has been singled out for criticism for his attitude while captaining the side at the weekend.
The Portuguese midfielder has regularly been appointed Ten Hag’s skipper this season as club captain Harry Maguire has slipped down the pecking order.
Fernandes frequently chastised his teammates and even pushed one of the referee’s assistants in his frustration.
But Ten Hag confirmed he will remain captain when Maguire is not selected.
“I am really happy to have Bruno Fernandes in my team and really happy that Bruno Fernandes, if Harry is not on the pitch, is our captain,” said the former Ajax boss.
United had lost just once in 22 games prior to their mauling by Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Ten Hag has already ended a six-year wait for silverware by winning the League Cup and United remain in the hunt for two more trophies in the Europa League and FA Cup.
“We have seen the game, we have to reset and bounce back,” added Ten Hag.
“We win together, we lost together. We made a mess on Sunday and we have to deal with it.”
Nothing ever said for Sean o brien only playing the last game, where he paved the way for the backs to play…. Huge tackle count (over 15) and the amount of rucks he hit! The limelight was taken from him.
Jaysus, enough already about the Lions. Seriously.
Don’t think anybody but Sky are really bothered
Agree it’s a joke on this site . Are the score sponsored by HSBC or something ? Compare this saturation to coverage of dub hurlers or dan Martin yesterday , 1 of those stories to every 4 lions stories . Ye will lose readers lads
Maybe just maybe the journal checks their traffic to see what’s popular with their clients.
The Leinster hurling final was played in a half empty stadium.
There was never a moment when the lions would lose to that Australian team over the series!
Yep great to win series after so many failed attempts! But,we all know that was one worse Aussie teams ever under Deans!
This is not negative nelly talk,I guarantee lions will get creamed by all-blacks in next series,the all blacks will be on a fu*king mission to beat lions!!
I cannot understand the hype over the lions. It is a sky sports hyped event. The best of four European teams with a combined population of 70 million barely beat one country with a population of 23 million. Rugby union is the fourth most popular sport in Australia. It is first most popular in wales, second in Scotland and England, fourth in Ireland and yet our combined efforts barely got us across the line. BBC gave gatland manager if the year, for what exactly? My granny would have led the lions to a series win.
Even worse is the outcry of our media when BOD was dropped. Seriously, BOD who was the greatest player of our time is well past his best and played extremely poor in the second test. You don’t pick players on reputation and past events, Let’s just get over it.
Someone above made a comment on Leinster hurling final being played in a half empty stadium. We can all cherry pick games to suit an argument. What does the AIL average for games? Cue, most Munster and Leinster fans googling AIL to see what it stands for. The last 5 all Ireland hurling finals produced levels of commitment and skills you won’t see on a rugby pitch in a million years.
In fairness, Sextons kick over the top and chase down was the moment when the Lions took the initiative in the 3rd test.