Erik ten haag
The moments just before half-time in the thrilling encounter saw tensions soar as an important goal was scored. Right after the goal, there was chaos on the field. Pinnock raced towards Mikkel Damsgaard in the corner, commending him for his assist which led to the open header. Meanwhile, Andre Onana aggressively left his post to address the defenders about a noticeable gap forming in front of him. Erik ten Hag, visibly frustrated, waved his arms in dismay. Simultaneously, De Ligt dashed along the sideline, encountering Van Nistelrooy moving in the opposite direction. Amidst this confusion, the broadcast missed De Ligt powerfully kicking the ball away at the sideline.
Earlier incidents had already placed De Ligt in the spotlight. Initially treated on the field for a head gash, he was approved to continue without a bandage. However, 20 minutes into the game, the injury reopened, with blood trickling down his face. Unhappy about being benched, De Ligt was already shaking his head when the physios began repairing the damage. In a moment of intense frustration, De Ligt angrily kicked a nearby ball away witnessing Pinnock score. He stormed past his medical team and the fourth official, expressing his fury. Subsequently, De Ligt’s focus turned to Ward, confronting him. Van Nistelrooy joined in shortly, questioning why Manchester United was left with 10 men on the field temporarily. Both De Ligt and Van Nistelrooy encircled Ward, gesturing animatedly. Erik ten Hag, who also showcased dissent, was booked alongside Van Nistelrooy, who persistently protested before eventually stepping back, gesturing in disbelief.
After the game, Garnacho shared his thoughts, reflecting on the match dynamics and their implications:
Garnacho said “We are very happy, but I also think that we played a good performance in the first half. We were 1-0 down but I think we played, in general, a very good game. After the first half we were very angry because we played with 10 men for a little bit of the time, but with a good mentality we came back in the game. I missed two big chances in the first half but I came to the second one with the same mentality: try to score and win the game. Finally, I could do it. Also, Rasmus, I am happy for him.”
