Erik ten Hag: Kick-off at lunchtime “big disadvantage” for players

The Red Devils and their under-fire manager found themselves travelling to Southampton before the international break following a flawed home defeat to rivals Liverpool.

Ten Hag’s side started slowly but got going after Andre Onana saved Cameron Archer’s penalty. Matthijs de Ligt and Marcus Rashford scored before Alejandro Garnacho completed the 3-0 triumph.

“I think that was the turning point in the game,” said the United boss of Onana’s penalty save.

“We got the momentum and you can see how small the gaps are. We scored a goal against Brighton and it’s crazy, it wasn’t recognized.”

“Today we conceded a penalty and a few minutes later we scored a goal and from that moment on it was our game.”

It was a much-needed win as Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat was compounded by a late 2-1 defeat at Brighton, which, like United’s return to action at St Mary’s, was scheduled for 12.30pm on Saturday.

The away section was full as usual, but Ten Hag wants the Premier League to rethink its scheduling because of the impact on fans and players.

“First of all, it is very unfair to the fans to have to deal with this,” he said. “At away games at 8 p.m. on a Saturday night, i.e. at 12.30 p.m., that is not right.”

“But they are always there, that’s why I’m so proud of our fans, they are always there and whatever happens on the field, they always support the team and there is a really good bond.

“You can see that they create a very good atmosphere today at Old Trafford, but also at away games.

“But I think the Premier League should also pay some attention to the fixture list.

“It’s a big disadvantage (for the team), but we have to deal with it like they did today.

“You can see that the team is mature, the players are mature. It doesn’t matter. We always have to win, we can’t make excuses for not winning a game.”

United turn their attention to hosting Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday before heading south to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park next Saturday at 5.30pm.

The Saints are in cup action during the week, travelling to fellow relegation candidates Everton before hosting fellow promoted side Ipswich next weekend in search of their first points of the season.

Captain Jack Stephens will miss the match after being sent off for a poor tackle on Alejandro Garnacho late on, but coach Russell Martin remained optimistic after the team’s fourth league defeat in four games.

“I don’t think we just started well. I think we played really well for 30 minutes,” he said. “I think we were the team most likely to score a goal.”

“I was impressed by the performance, the aggressiveness and the intensity. Some of our plays were great.”

“We didn’t make the most of it and then we missed a penalty and that completely changed the energy of the game and the whole stadium, which is understandable.

“We didn’t react well enough and that was the moment when United took control and took advantage.

“We conceded two terrible goals from set pieces. That’s the only thing I’m really angry about today.”

“The boys are trying so hard. They’re giving everything they’ve got. There are some great moments that definitely need to happen more often.”

“I think if we have the moments in the first half when we play in their box, when we have their players under control, I’m pretty sure it will be a goal.”