Manchester, April 5: Blowing late leads has become a hallmark of Manchester United’s season.
Erik ten Hag hopes that changes when Liverpool comes to Old Trafford on Sunday. United is still clinging to hopes of a Champions League spot, despite a stunning 4-3 loss to Chelsea on Thursday night.
United first gave away the lead in the 10th minute of stoppage time at Stamford Bridge and then the game a minute later – both goals coming from Cole Palmer.
That followed a blown lead in a 1-1 draw at Brentford last Saturday. United had just recovered from celebrating Mason Mount’s goal in the 96th when Kristoffer Ajer tied it three minutes later.
“We can beat the best teams in the Premier League,” Ten Hag said. “When you beat them in the Premier League, you can do it across Europe, but we need to learn how you win games … how you bring games over the line and get the three points. We have to step up.”
Dropping five points in the past two games is “very expensive,” he added.
With eight games remaining, United is nine points behind fifth-place Tottenham and 11 points back of fourth-place Aston Villa.
Because of a format change to the Champions League next season, the Premier League might get a fifth spot in Europe’s elite club competition. (AP)
