Erik ten Hag warns young Man Utd stars to 'deal with it' as he bemoans defensive weakness in Bournemouth draw

United had to come from behind on two different occasions against Bournemouth on Saturday evening, as Bruno Fernandes' brace salvaged a point for the Red Devils. Ten Hag's side conceded within the opening moments of the fixture, after 19-year-old Willy Kambwala slipped and gave Dominic Solanke a golden opportunity to fire past goalkeeper Andre Onana. The United boss has since commented on the weaknesses within the defence which he put down to some inexperience within the squad.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Ten Hag said: "We have used the same back line twice and these players gave everything, their maximum. But some of them are young, inexperienced and to do it match after match in the tough Premier League is difficult. It is hard but they have to deal with it, that is the demand of Manchester United. You see with every opponent there is that desire to beat us. Today they went to their limits, every match they went to their limits. We have to show resistance, control it and dominate it."

It was another disappointing day in a disappointing season for United. They have now slipped to seventh in the Premier League table after Newcastle leap-frogged them into sixth place following their impressive 4-0 win against Tottenham.

Attention will now shift away from Premier League action, as United prepare for their FA Cup semi-final clash against Championship side Coventry. The competition is United's last chance to secure silverware in the 2023-24 season - after falling short in the Carabao Cup and Champions League.