In the post-match press conference, coach Ten Hag used the word "disappointment" at least four times when talking about Man Utd's defeat. He said the home team had a bad start against an opponent who played well in transition like Bournemouth. "We should have respected our opponents, but we let them achieve their best situations," he added. "In a tournament of this level, teams will be destroyed if they do not play at their best."

Man Utd conceded in the fifth minute against Bournemouth, when Sergio Reguilon misplaced a pass and Bruno Fernandes and Sofyan Amrabat were slow to defend. The home side conceded two more goals in the second half from high balls, notably a personal error by Luke Shaw. When asked why the "Red Devils" played so erratically, Ten Hag said: "I have to take responsibility, because I have to prepare the team in the best way before the match. We are capable of playing well in every match."

The only change to Man Utd's starting lineup from the match on December 9 was striker Anthony Martial replacing Rasmus Hojlund. The Dutch coach said that was not the reason for his team's defeat. "It is not fair to blame an individual for such a defeat, because we fell together," he said.

Man Utd have played 22 games in all competitions this season, losing 11. One issue that has been raised by the British media is that the team's training intensity is too high, leaving players exhausted when entering the match. Coach Ten Hag believes that the whole team will have to work together to be stronger, and always be ready for a match.

Man Utd's 50% loss rate this season could increase, as they are ahead of Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and Liverpool in the Premier League. If they don't beat Bayern, the "Red Devils" will be eliminated from European cups this season. And in the match at Anfield next weekend, they will be without captain midfielder Fernandes.

Hoang An