ERIK TEN HAG turned to the Jurgen Klopp book of excuses after bomoaning Manchester United’s 12:30pm kick-off against Southampton.
Despite taking a swipe at Prem chiefs, United earned a professional 3-0 victory at St Mary’s at lunchtime on Saturday.
Ten Hag told TNT: “First of all, for the fans it is very unfair to deal with this, with 8pm away games on a Saturday night.
“The 12.30pm, it’s not right, but they are always there. I’m so proud of our fans that they are always there.
“Whatever happens on the pitch they always supportive of the team and there is a really good connection.
“They bring a very good ambience at Old Trafford and also at away games. I think the Premier League should pay some attention to this.”
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Former Liverpool boss Klopp was notorious for hating 12:30pm kick offs, which he referred to as the “breakfast” slot.
It is surely one thing the German manager will not miss about the Prem as he repeatedly hit out at organisers whenever Liverpool played at 12:30pm.
In May, long-term critic Klopp said: “They dare to give us Thursday-Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday 12.30 – it’s a crime! I was waiting for Amnesty International to go to them.”
Asked if the scheduling of United’s matches represents a major disadvantage compared to rivals, Ten Hag is convinced it works against his players despite a 3-0 win this weekend.
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The Dutchman added: “It’s a big disadvantage, but we have to deal with it as they did today.
“The team are mature, it doesn’t matter, we always have to win, we can’t bring any excuse.”
The Red Devils have already had to navigate two lunchtime kick-offs on the south coast, at Brighton and St Mary’s, in their first four games of the season.
And United travel to Selhurst Park to play Crystal Palace at 5:30pm next Saturday.
Ten Hag’s complaints would have made slightly more sense if there had been no international break.
Before Southampton, United’s last Prem game saw them fall to a humiliating defeat to rivals Liverpool at 4pm on a Sunday.
But that was the final Prem match before the two week Uefa Nations League interval.
Meanwhile, critics would argue that Ten Hag needed this must-win away triumph to keep his job safe for another week.
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Andre Onana saved Cameron Archer’s first half penalty, before United scored twice before half-time through Matthjis de Ligt and Marcus Rashford.
Alejandro Garnacho rounded things off with a stoppage time hammer through a Casemiro assist.
Man Utd ratings vs Southampton as Onana saves a penalty and Rashford finally scores
MARCUS RASHFORD scored his first Premier League goal in 189 days as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory at Southampton.
The Red Devils got back to winning ways after suffering defeats in their last two Prem games, with Matthijs de Ligt notching his first Man Utd goal.
But United had Andre Onana to thank as the keeper kept out Cameron Archer’s penalty at 0-0.
Here’s how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett rated United’s stars…
Andre Onana – 7
Saved the penalty by Cameron Archer, albeit a poor one from the Southampton forward.
But that stop and the stopped rebound proved to be absolutely crucial.
Noussair Mazraouri – 7
Needed treatment after falling awkwardly in the first half but that did not stop him from delivering a solid performance.
Also got forward to good effect before being one of three United defenders to be subbed off.
Matthijs De Ligt – 8
Shaky start defensively but was unmarked to score from Bruno Fernandes cross to calm United’s nerves with the opener.
He was delighted to get his first United goal and dedicated his celebration to his wife’s birthday today.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Not been in great form so anything was an improvement – although Saints’ attack was toothless.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Suffered an absolute shocker of a first half courtesy of Southampton’s tricky wingers.
Conceded the penalty after bringing down Tyler Dibling but was also constantly exposed throughout the half.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
United continue to lean far too heavily on such a young player. And this defensive role does not really suit him.
Christian Eriksen – 7
A surprise starter although United’s two goals came from his corners.
The system, though, still does not play to his strengths as he is too deep.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Cracking corner cross ball from Eriksen who plonked the ball on the head of De Ligt.
Amad Diallo – 7
Looked lively throughout – really encouraging. Teed up Rashford for the second goal.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
Forced a couple of saves by Aaron Ramsdale but does not look like a 25 goal-a-season striker.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Hopefully the second goal will give him a real confidence boost. Also forced a couple of saves from Aaron Ramsdale.
SUBS
Garnacho (for Rashford 73 mins) 7
Was brutally fouled by Stephens who saw red shortly after coming on. Notched United’s third goal of the game in the final minute.
He struck high into Ramsdale’s high corner after a brilliant ball from Casemiro.
Manuel Ugarte (for Eriksen 73 mins) 6
Harry Maguire (for Mazraouri 74 mins) 6
Jonny Evans (for Martinez 77 mins) 6
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
