Ben Foster details the big mistake that Erik ten Hag made during defeat to Newcastle

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Ben Foster has given his verdict on the one big mistake Erik ten Hag made before Manchester United’s defeat to Newcastle United.

Anthony Gordon’s 55th minute goal for Newcastle United condemned Manchester United to their 10th defeat of the season in all competitions and the pressure is building on Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag has been struggling with his team selection partly due to the injury crisis that has engulfed the team this season but also because of certain stars of the team, who performed so well last season, failing to replicate that same form.

The forward line, in particular, has struggled this season with there being a distinct lack of goals coming from the front men which has caused frustration amongst the fanbase.

Foster on Ten Hag’s mistake

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast on his YouTube channel, Ben Foster, the former United and England goalkeeper believes that the forward line that was selected was the issue.

“For me, Newcastle on Saturday saw that front three and their backline would have said: ‘We are gonna bully these today'”, Foster said.

“Livramento you can run all over him (Rashford) and Trippier you give him a crunching tackle, because these lot do not want that today (a physical battle).

“It’s Saturday night away at St James’ Park, they will not want a physical battle at all. I think they would have seen that front three and would have been more confident in themselves to get a result.”

United’s front three

Signing Rasmus Hojlund was seen as the first signing, for a while, that was made in the forward department that was a young and exciting talent.

Ironically, Anthony Martial, who led the line on Saturday, may have been the last forward brought into the club with that mantra but the Danish forward has lost his place somewhat to the French forward.

This week’s game against Chelsea will be crucial for Ten Hag and Hojlund should be brought back into the side to attempt to give the Blues defenders a tough game.