The defeat in the round-of-16 match was United’s eighth loss in all competitions this season and the latest blow for English soccer’s most famous club.
This is below the standards everyone expects from Manchester United. It’s far from good enough, saidis a growing concern.
Afil Almiron and Lewis Hall were in control by half-time, with Joe Willock completing the scoring after an hour’s play.
The defeat came despite Ten Hag fielding a starting lineup worth about half a billion dollars – even without offseason signings Rasmus Højlund for $82 million, as well as Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
By the time those players were called into action in an attempt to turn the tide of the game in the second half, Ten Hag had put talented players on the pitch1 Indecision on the back line resulted in Harry Maguire failing to pass the ball to Willock on the left flank. His pass only reached the edge of the area where Hall waited to dribble through a crowd of players and shoot into the bottom corner.
Ten Hag made changes at half-time, notably taking his captain off the field. A 2-0 victory over second division side Blackburn.
Defeat to Brentford at the weekend left the London club in 11th place in the standings and putting them in contention for Champions League qualification. However, manager Mauriciohe highest-rated team remaining in the Cup hosts West Ham, who beat Arsenal 3-1.
The semi-finals will feature a Premier League side as third division Port Vale take on second division Middlesbrough.
