Ten Hag's critical of Man United’s “slow start” in 3-1 defeat to Villa

After a turn-around of results at

, the Red Devils beat Real Sociedad with one goal on Thursday in their final Europe League group game. However, they failed to perform against Unai Emery’s

as a slow start to both halves cost the Red Devils all three points at Villa Park.

told his post-match interview with

:

"We lost the game at the start of the first half and second half and that is not acceptable. They looked fresher and more ready.

"We need to be sharper. The result is really clear. It never lies. Today we were not good enough.

"We didn't get the right organization. We created chances and good chances at 2-1. But you are really disappointed to concede at the start of the second half."

On

's impact, ten Hag added:

"We knew they were coming out with a new manager and a new feeling. We did expect it. But in games like this, if you start slowly in the first 20 minutes then you are going to lose.

"We were not good enough. We have always got to believe we can win games even when we're 2-0 down. We conceded early in the second half and it's a mountain to climb after that.

"If you watch the game back, you'll see we made a sloppy start. They were finding spaces and pockets and turning with ease. That is not good enough. We didn't deserve to win."

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