Erik ten Hag acknowledges that Manchester United has significant work ahead after their pre-season opener ended in a 1-0 defeat at Rosenborg.
In Trondheim, most first-team players were absent, including Jadon Sancho, who has returned to training after resolving issues with Ten Hag. The squad largely consisted of youth players, but Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount, Casemiro, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and veteran defender Jonny Evans were in the starting lineup.
Rosenborg, already in the midst of their league season, appeared much sharper. United’s Czech goalkeeper Radek Vitek was kept busy, making numerous saves, while Rosenborg’s winger Marius Broholm hit the woodwork twice.
Ten Hag made extensive changes for the second half, substituting all 10 outfield players with academy prospects. Rosenborg, after hitting the post again, finally scored in stoppage time through Noah Holm.
United will face Rangers at Murrayfield on Saturday before heading to the United States for further preparations. Ten Hag expects a much better performance in their next match.
“The result is not secondary,” Ten Hag told MUTV. “We play pre-season, but at Manchester United, the standard is to win games and definitely not lose. If you can’t win, at least don’t lose the game in the last second, but performance is more crucial, and today’s was below standard.”
Ten Hag, who recently extended his contract until 2026, added, “We can discuss all the negatives, but that’s not my approach. I know this isn’t the standard for top football. Top football requires much higher standards, starting with each individual ensuring they are fit.”
