Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is still not giving up hope of securing a top-four spot this season despite falling further behind Aston Villa and Tottenham.
Spurs came from behind to defeat Luton Town before Villa defeated Wolves, putting them nine and 12 points ahead of United respectively before the Red Devils faced Brentford in Saturday’s evening kick-off.
Despite being outplayed throughout the match and conceding an astonishing 31 shots, United thought they had executed one of the Premier League’s most amazing heists when substitute Mason Mount scored in injury time only for Kristoffer Ajer to respond immediately to secure a 1-1 draw.
United were rather lucky to leave with a point and Ten Hag believes it could turn out to be a valuable result in the race for a Champions League spot at the end of the season.
Asked if he still believes United can secure a top-four finish, Ten Hag responded: ‘There are still many games left.
‘But, of course, the points will be more valuable by the end and this should have been three [points].
‘But now it’s only one, by the end we will know how it will work out, but it could be a significant point by the end.’
In addition to facing 31 shots against Brentford – which brings their total shots faced to 106 across their last four matches – United also allowed 85 touches in their own box.
Asked if it is a worry how many shots United are facing, Ten Hag responded: ‘As long as we get results, no.
‘I’ll explain it once more. We defended deep at times, because Brentford are very direct, we lost many second balls, and then you have to defend the box and that is what we did quite well.
‘And we had a great goalkeeper, he was brilliant as well, so we have to say that.
‘I think our results are quite steady from January on, but yeah we concede shots. But we don’t concede too many goals. And we’re creating chances – with Rasmus Hojlund having significant chances – and we scored a goal, and it’s all about getting that over the line.’
Asked if a future title challenge can be sustained with such leaky performances against teams like Brentford, Ten Hag responded: ‘Don’t underestimate Brentford’s performances, because I saw them against Man City and City were also fortunate to win that game.
‘And I have seen them against Liverpool and in the first 35 minutes Brentford should have taken the lead. So don’t express this [opinion about Brentford].
‘We should have performed better, I’m not satisfied with the performance, there should be no misunderstanding [about that]. And the players are also disappointed by the performance.
‘We should be consistent in our approach to a game, and go into a game, and show more aggressiveness especially.’
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