Erik ten Hag said after Manchester United’s devastating 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Saturday: “You have to be at your best in every game.” That takes a great deal of energy, beginning with appropriate focus. You can’t succeed when you start off as we did. You’re killed.”

In front of incensed Old Trafford supporters, Erik ten Hag declared his Manchester United players needed to adopt a new mindset after they surrendered to Bournemouth in a crushing 3-0 defeat.

Bournemouth handed the club its worst-ever home loss by a team in the Premier League’s bottom half, and Ten Hag’s team was unable to match the level of play seen in Wednesday’s victory against Chelsea.

The visitors’ goals from Marcos Senesi, Philip Billing, and Dominic Solanke condemned the home team to their seventh Premier League defeat of the year and incited thunderous jeers from the crowd.After Ten Hag’s team lost more ground in the race for the top four, he lamented their lack of focus and inconsistent play.

He responded, “That is always the question,” when asked how he could have played so poorly just three days after defeating Chelsea. “Considering what transpired, you are doubting that as a coach.

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“We had a terrible start. I believe there was a significant difference between Chelsea and us at the beginning of the game because we were more focused and aggressive. We weren’t today.”

Ten Hag said of Bournemouth’s second goal, which came just after Diogo Dalot had shot into the side netting and Bruno Fernandes had had his penalty appeal knocked down: “We got a shot.” No penalty at all. We immediately give up a goal after that, which shouldn’t have happened.”

All three of Bournemouth’s goals came from carelessness on the part of United; Solanke’s opening goal, which came in the fifth minute, set the stage for a dismal defensive effort when Lewis Cook intercepted a careless ball from Fernandes and blasted past Sofyan Amrabat.

Ten Hag said, “It was our fault in the build-up.” “We were aware of their aggressive pressing style. The ball shouldn’t be given away that simply. Then we let them too much room when we were defending during a transition.

Their goal is admirable, but you can’t start out this way on our end. Gaining a better position is necessary, and it all comes down to concentration.”

Ten Hag thought the second goal was the game-winner.

“I think in the first half already we had a good tempo, also good attacks,” he stated. “The game is in our control.

“We entered the box, but we didn’t do much creating there. The second goal was the breakdown, but we carried on in the second half.

“I’m talking about that Chelsea match. In every game, you have to give it your all. That takes a great deal of energy, beginning with appropriate focus. You can’t succeed when you start off as we did. You are slain.

“It was an excellent opponent; they had a really animated and dynamic style of play. Well done to them, but we need to improve.

“You have daily deliveries to make. You have to bring that mentality because that is required. That needs to be changed.”

Tim Sherwood remarked on Soccer Saturday that he believes there is little prospect of Manchester United finishing in the top four this season, accusing the team of giving up in the second half.

“I think the performances have been as bad as this, but they’ve got away with it,” stated Sherwood. Because they were spared from having to take the game to the opposition, they performed better against Chelsea. They could engage in football counterattacks.

“There’s nothing wrong with counterattacking, but you have to find a method to open up a team that wants to sit back. Other than Bruno, they have no one with any imagination or inventiveness.

However, Bruno will not work back if he is a member of your team. Amrabat is left alone in there and lacks the necessary legs.

All praise for Bournemouth. They attacked with a well-thought-out game plan and finished with precision. But I was rarely off my seat, believing Manchester United was going to score in this match. Bournemouth were really at ease.

“We are discussing a 16th-place squad that is traveling to Old Trafford on the road. I have every reason to believe that Manchester United, with their roster of elite players and their financial resources, ought to be able to score and break them down.

“However, things grew worse. Unfortunately for their supporters who were watching, they appeared to have thrown in the towel when they came out in the second half.

“At the moment, I cannot see Manchester United getting into the top four this season with performances like that.”