Erik Ten Hag Criticizes 2 Players After Manchester United's 3-2 Win: Here's Why

Erik ten Hag criticized Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia after Manchester United's 3-2 win over Omonia in the Europa League on Thursday.

Manchester United had to come from behind after the Cypriot club went 1-0 up, thanks to Karim Ansarifard's opening goal. Marcus Rashford's brace and Anthony Martial's goal helped the Red Devils seal the game at GSP Stadium.

Ten Hag was forced to substitute Sancho and Malacia at the interval and the Dutchman later admitted he was worried about his side's left flank in the opening 45 minutes.

In a post-match conference Thursday, reporters asked Ten Hag if he substituted Sancho and Malacia because they were at fault for Omonia's first goal.

The Red Devils boss replied, "It was not what I was unhappy with. It was the movement with our ball, the width on the left side, for me was no good first half. The movement from behind the defending line, so I hoped with Luke and Marcus we could get more effect from that, and in my opinion that happens."

Sancho and Malacia were replaced by Rashford and Luke Shaw. The decision to make the substitutions paid off as Rashford netted the equalizer for Manchester United before Martial, who also came off the bench, put the visitors 2-1 up. The English forward scored his second to make it 3-1 in Manchester United's favor.

Rashford was involved in all three goals Thursday as he had also assisted Martial's goal. Speaking in a post-match interview, Rashford hailed the Frenchman with whom he shares a good relationship.

"He's a massive player he has been for a long time, when he's happy and at it, he's an unbelievable player. I've always enjoyed playing with him, it was nice to link up with him today, we'll be looking to do that more and more. We've both been injured, him a little longer than me, so it's nice to get minutes and for the second game in a row he's scored," Rashford said, Goal reported.

It was earlier reported that Ten Hag values Martial very much and considers the French player an important part of his side. Martial, who had a fine run at the pre-season, suffered a setback at the beginning of the season when he suffered a couple of injuries. However, ever since his comeback, Martial has lived up to his potential.

In three appearances this season, Martial has netted three goals and also provided an assist. Rashford has scored five goals and three assists in eight games for Manchester United this campaign.

Ten Hag and Co. will be next in action Sunday when they take on Everton in the Premier League at Goodison Park.