Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has lauded his team's performance in the shootout loss to Manchester City in the FA Community Shield at the Wembley in London on Saturday (August 10). It was a seventh win for City in the traditional curtain raiser of the English football season.
After a goalless first period, Alejandro Garnacho - set up by captain Bruno Fernandes - opened the scoring for Erik ten Haag's sde after 82 minutes. However, Bernardo Silva - assisted by Oscar Bobb - equalised seven minutes later, forcing penalties.
In the ensuing shootout, United led 2-0 and 3-1 before misses from Jadon Sancho and Jonny Evans allowed Manuel Akanji to drill home the winning penalty as City won 7-6 to win their first title of the season.
Nevertheless, Ten Hag chose to dwell on the positives following the defeat (as per ITV via UtdDistrict):
"We got pressure on the ball, and in possession, we were overloading situations in the midfield. We created chances from this. Many positives to take."
"The performance was right, we were winning," the Dutchman added. "We have to take this. (though), we have to take belief into the league."
The win snapped City's three-game losing run in the Community Shield before they commence their bid for a record-extending fifth straight Premier League title.
"We are far from our best" - Manchester City boss after defeat to Manchester United
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had no qualms admitting that his side were far from their best in their FA Community Shield win over United. The four-time reigning English champions only had their first shot on target with their late equaliser.
Admitting that United were 'dangerous' in transitions, Guardiola added that his team will get better as the season wears on. The legendary Spanish boss said (as per BBC):
"I saw many things today that I like. The first 35 minutes were beyond excellent for the time together. Still, we are far from our best. That is normal. It is better to win one trophy but the reality is nothing changed.
"We played really good and at the end the ball is not stable, and both players miss a lot of long balls. Manchester United are so dangerous in transitions. They are really good and one of the best teams in that concept."
City open their Premier League title defence at Chelsea on August 18, while Manchester United host Fulham two days earlier.