Erik ten Hag admits he was ‘pleased’ with Man Utd performance in 3-3 draw v Galatasaray

Erik ten Hag admitted he was ‘pleased with the performance’ from his side, as Manchester United drew 3-3 against Galatasaray.

The Red Devils impressed offensively on Wednesday at Rams Park and netted three well-worked goals via Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay. But Galatasaray matched those numbers, to leave United’s Champions League hopes dangling by a thread.

Andre Onana was responsible for two opposition goals, which were both scored by Hakim Ziyech free-kicks, while the ex-Ajax goalkeeper was beaten at his near post by Kerem Akturkoglu for Galatasaray’s third goal of the night.

It was a chaotic, end-to-end encounter in Turkey, with United throwing away leads of 2-0 and 3-1, while Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and Facundo Pellistri failing to convert big chances in the latter stages. Speaking after the match, Ten Hag admitted it was a night full of highs and lows for his side.

“We are winning and then we are losing,” he told TNT Sports. “We should have taken three points, but also in more games: home against Galatasaray, away at Copenhagen. 

“We play so good and have to make a big complement to the team but also I have to criticise the team, and me as a manager. We are not defending good enough and when you are leading 3-1 we cannot afford such mistakes.

"It makes a difference. These mistakes, in the Champions League you get punished for it. We have to learn for this.

“I am very pleased because you see the style of this team: proactive, dynamic and brave. I was really pleased with the performance, we created so many chances but also, in the end, we could have won this game.”

Despite the disappointing nature of the draw in Istanbul, Ten Hag claimed the club are making positive steps, with the United winning five of their last six Premier League matches.

"I am responsible for this. We are in a project," he said. "We are getting forward and making improvements so that's very hopeful. We are in the right direction and I know where we have to go, which steps we have to take and I am sure we will be successful in the long term."