"99 per cent is not enough" – Erik ten Hag hits out at Manchester United players for lack of fight in draw with Twente

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has lambasted his players' complacency in a 1-1 UEFA Europa League draw against Eredivisie club Twente on Wednesday (September 25).

The Red Devils, who have won just three of their eight overall outings this season, opened their Europa League campaign at home. Christian Eriksen scored a stellar goal in the 35th minute before being caught in possession for Sam Lammers' 68th minute equalizing goal.

At a post-game press conference, Ten Hag shared his thoughts on his side's latest display against Twente at Old Trafford. He said (h/t Manchester Evening News):

"Yes, you saw it was the game of their life. They fought for every yard and we didn't. And 99 per cent is not enough, you have to give 100 per cent. You have to kill the game, you have to finish it off. We are leading 1-0 and then there is coming an atmosphere in a team. We bring the game until the end but you have to go for the second goal and then you kill the game."

Criticizing his stars for their lackadaisical approach, Ten Hag continued:

"We can't allow them a situation with the equaliser where the right back from Twente, is dribbling over the whole midfield without being stopped. We are very ambitious and when you have ambition, you have to perform to prove the point and especially today, [in the] second half, we were too easy-going, too complacent. We didn't bring it over the line and as a team, you have to deliver this."

Manchester United, who will face Tottenham Hotspur in a league clash on Sunday, relished 57% possession against Twente. They recorded 19 shots with five of them on target, completed 464 passes with 86% accuracy, and won 61% of their overall duels during the game.

Manchester United dealt big transfer blow

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United have been informed that their top target Nicolo Barella is currently not for sale. The Italian is considered a key starter for Serie A champions Inter Milan and has recently signed a new contract, which is set to expire in 2029.

Barella, who is allegedly valued at over £63 million, has guided Inter to two Serie A titles and five other silverwares since joining them in 2019.

So far, the 27-year-old playmaker has bagged 23 goals and recorded 52 assists in 240 appearances across competitions for the Nerazzurri.