Erik ten Hag bemoans Arsenal defeat again and a missed Man Utd turning point

Erik ten Hag and Manchester Unitd have endured a difficult season (Picture: Getty)

Erik ten Hag has referenced Manchester United’s controversial defeat against Arsenal back in September yet again and believes victory at the Emirates would have laid the foundations for a more successful season.

United head into the final day of the Premier League campaign staring down the barrel of an eighth place finish with European qualification set to hinge on next weekend’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Ten Hag, however, remains adamant the course of his second season at the helm would have been transformed had his side beaten Arsenal in a game United ultimately lost 3-1.

The Dutchman, who is fighting to save his job, has referenced that defeat on numerous occasions over the last couple of months and did so again, speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Brighton.

‘Confidence is a great thing,’ said Ten Hag. ‘This season we almost didn’t get the turning point, now we can make a step through.

‘I remember the Arsenal game and in the 87th minute, I thought we won it. That could have given a big lift to the team.

‘We never got this but a game like yesterday will help us, especially the young players. It will give us lots of confidence.’

Garnacho’s disallowed goal against Arsenal has been referenced by Erik ten Hag on multiple occasions (Picture: Getty)

United and Tag missed their opportunity for revenge last weekend when a narrow 1-0 win for the Gunners at Old Trafford kept alive their remote hopes of beating City to the title.

Ahead of that fixture, Ten Hag used his programme notes to highlight the stability Arsenal have begun to benefit from after their board persisted with Mikel Arteta when they were under pressure to sack him following a disastrous start to the 2021/22 season.

‘Arsenal’s strength is the result of years of continuity and process,’ wrote Ten Hag.

‘I think our supporters understand that we are still undergoing our own development and that there will be positive times to come if we all continue pulling in the same direction.’

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