Speaking to the media after a loss against Man City in the Community Shield on penalties, Eric ten Hag was unexpectedly optimistic, urging his players to be positive and use the defeat as motivation.”We are disappointed. We have to feel the pain and everyone feels the pain, that’s a good signal but also I see some positives. We performed well, we could’ve won this game, we were twice leading in the game and in the penalties, but we lost and we’re disappointed. But we take the positives,” the 54-year-old strategist said.”Everyone feels the pain” Erik ten Hag on Manchester United losing the Community Shield. pic.twitter.com/Dp7fxwpUOv— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 10, 2024 The moment that will haunt Manchester United fans is when Marcus Rashford hits the post from an ideal close-range position a quarter of an hour before the end – the point that could have been decisive. The Red Devils gaffer couldn’t avoid the question about the Englishman and his poor goal-scoring form, but the Dutchman showed no concern.”No. No. I think he was several times in very good positions. I’m very pleased he is getting in those positions, because I know with Rasmus Hojlund, keep going, keep making those movements and the team will make those movements, he will score goals. Once he will score one, then the goals will come,” stated ten Hag.HOW CAN YOU MISS THAT RASHFORD????#MCIMUN | #CommunityShield pic.twitter.com/cqrR4bXxjj— Fernansh Era (@BrunoFernanshh) August 10, 2024 However, the question of Man United forwards is definitely intriguing. Rashford is the club’s child and has been there since he was eight. Still, only eight goals in 43 appearances last season are nowhere near giants like the club from Old Trafford require. Subsequently, the beginning of this season doesn’t seem much different. Even the appointment of the renowned Ruud van Nistelrooy still hasn’t made an impact.Sancho as a ‘no.9’?! We know you are all good now but – really Erik?Rasmus Hojlund suffered an injury during the pre-season period and is expected to be absent from the team at least until the end of August. Finally, there’s Joshua Zirkzee – the biggest mystery. The Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford as ten Hag’s huge wish and was paid more than 40 million euros, only to be left on the bench for the entire match when the first trophy in the season was at stake?! Something just doesn’t add up there and United boss would have to explain his choices.##NAJAVA_MECA_8262779##
