Manchester United’s defeat to Manchester City was an unwelcome return to Premier League action after an extended break.
United were beaten 6-3, having been 6-1 down at one stage before two late consolations from Anthony Martial.
Former Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger gave his view on the game on social media, reflecting that the team were ‘totally defeated’.
This defeat came in the very early stages of Erik ten Hag’s regime as Manchester United manager. It is a result which can be used as a measuring stick for subsequent improvement.
United will improve, the progress under Ten Hag has been clear to see in recent weeks. But this was a backwards step.
It is a result which will motivate United for the weeks and months ahead.
What was most frustrating about Manchester United’s defeat at The Etihad is that this team is capable of more than they showed.
Erik ten Hag will be reminding his players of this, and questioning the mentality which saw the team implode on Sunday.
The one positive was that United rallied late, and did not give up like in defeats to City and Liverpool last season.
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