Breaking News: Erik ten Hag issues warning to Man Utd stars after gut-wrenching Community Shield defeat

Erik ten Hag has urged his side to carry their Community Shield heartbreak into the new season (Image: ITV)

Manchester United’s penultimate match before facing Fulham on Friday to begin the Premier League season ended in a penalty shootout loss to Manchester City in the Community Shield.

Manchester United’s captain, Erik ten Hag, has challenged his team to carry over their hurt from the Community Shield into the next campaign.

Manchester City, United’s bitter rivals, upset United in the Wembley opener. Alejandro Garnacho’s late goal had given them the lead, but Bernardo Silva’s header soon after had pulled them back.

In the last minutes, neither team was able to score a second goal, forcing a shootout. Jadon Sancho’s spot-kick was saved by Ederson before Jonny Evans skied his attempt over the bar, while Silva missed his.

City would go on to triumph as a result, taking home their first Community Shield in three years. Ten Hag, though, is eager to focus on the positives after his team’s loss since they gave the defending Premier League winners a fight.

A difficult outcome to accept. Everyone knows when we are winning when we are performing well. If you lose, everyone knows it. Your stomach hurts from it. We certainly need to hurt, but we also need to accept this. You need to be in pain right now because that’s what will motivate and drive us,” Ten Hag said to ITV Sport.

“We must see the bright side of this: we can now compete with City. This is a conviction we must bring to the league. The second objective is crucial. We got the opportunity and performed admirably to score the second goal of the FA Cup final before halftime.

“Sancho, who is an excellent penalty taker, missed one today, but that’s just part of the game. We were able to match Man City’s quality of play because to Marcus Rashford’s high position on the pitch and strong defence.

“We created chances, we got pressure in the ball and in possession we had some very good chances from this so there are many positives we can take.”

Without a doubt, United had opportunities to increase their lead or take the lead prior to Garancho’s goal. Marcus Rashford was the primary cause of his team’s lost opportunities, but Ten Hag supported the attacker while acknowledging that his team had some “issues.”

“No, I believe he was in excellent positions multiple times, and I’m glad he’s maintaining those places. He will score goals if he keeps moving forward and obtaining those positions, the Dutchman continued.

“We operate with the available squad until we have any news, at which point we will make an announcement. It is evident that we are experiencing issues, and both the staff and the players must try to make the players available.”

Friday night marks the start of United’s new Premier League campaign as Fulham visits Old Trafford. The Red Devils were defeated in the comparable game in February of the previous year.