Football News

The problem for Erik ten Hag right now is that he does not know where the next pelter is coming from: the punters, the pundits or even his own players.

Booed by the home fans for substituting Kobbie Mainoo and again at full time here, Ten Hag defended himself after another deflating result, then bit back at the former Manchester United stars who have criticised the development of his team.

Ten Hag later claimed that United are 'one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams in the league at this moment', which is true but perhaps not in the way that the fans and his employers would like. Watching United is rarely dull these days.

At the end of a week in which the Dutchman branded sections of the media a 'disgrace' for their reaction to the potty FA Cup win over Coventry City at Wembley, you had to admire his gumption but also wonder whether he is showing the strain of a season in charge of this maddeningly unpredictable team.

Because while Ten Hag will ultimately shoulder the responsibility for results, there are things for which he cannot legislate.

Having got their noses in front through Antony's first league goal in more than a year, it looked for once like United would close out a win free of unnecessary drama. Step forward Casemiro, described by Ten Hag in his programme notes as having the 'perfect mindset' for filling in at centre back.

Presented with an opportunity to clear the ball in the 85th minute, the Brazilian inexplicably decided to head it back towards his six-yard box.

Next up was Andre Onana.

Outstanding to that point, the United keeper rushed out of his goal and pole-axed Zeki Amdouni with a careless attempt to punch the ball away. Amdouni picked himself up to score from the spot and give Burnley a vital -

Zeki Amdouni