The incredulous expression that handed over Manchester United supervisor Erik ten Hag’s face when Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise exquisitely curled a late free kick into the web spoke volumes on Wednesday evening.
Dutchman ten Hag was on the cusp of turning into the primary Manchester United supervisor because the nice Alex Ferguson in 2009 to win 10 successive video games as his aspect led 1-0 at Selhurst Park within the 91st minute.
Another couple of minutes and United would have gone second within the Premier League, six factors behind Arsenal forward of Sunday’s showdown with the leaders.
But then Olise cooled the title discuss with a magical free kick that left David De Gea clawing at skinny air and United paying the value for a scarcity of killer intuition.
United will really feel short-changed having managed massive swathes of the sport, though ten Hag mentioned they’d themselves in charge for not being hungry sufficient so as to add to the lead given to them by Bruno Fernandes late within the first half.
“We have to invest more to get that second goal and then not be in that situation that a lucky moment costs you two points,” ten Hag advised the BBC. “We had been 1-0 up. In the second half, we had a variety of area to kill them and go for the second.
“I never saw we really went for the second goal.”
To add to United’s woes they’d a justifiable penalty declare turned away and, extra damagingly, influential Brazilian midfielder Casemiro was booked late on for a rash problem and he’ll now be suspended for the journey to Arsenal.
“He’s a really important player for us and a reason we’re in this position,” ten Hag mentioned.
“But last time we beat Arsenal without Casemiro. We need to do it again.”
Despite the frustration, United’s run of kind has lifted them to a place few imagined was potential earlier this season and ten Hag mentioned the main target was now on Arsenal.
“It happened. You can’t change it. We’re looking to Arsenal and to make a proper plan. The players have to make sure they’re ready. It’s fantastic to play such games.”
While ten Hag tried to minimize the lack of Casemiro for Sunday’s conflict, keeper David De Gea admitted it was a bitter blow and he additionally questioned why United had been enjoying in midweek.
“Big blow to lose Casemiro for Sunday. I don’t get it why Arsenal don’t play as we have to play in the same week and they don’t,” he mentioned. “Now we’re lacking certainly one of our greatest gamers.
“I don’t understand. Now we miss him for a big game and it is a big loss for us.”
