Erik ten Hag was pleased with his team’s performance but critical of defensive errors during Manchester United’s 3-3 draw against Galatasaray, which left the Reds’ UEFA Champions League qualification hopes in the balance.

The Reds managed to forge a two-goal lead on two occasions at RAMS Park but, much to our huge disappointment could only take a solitary point from the penultimate Group A match. It means a victory on matchday six against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford next month will be required, as well as other results going in their favour, in order to advance to the knockout stage.

Ten Hag said: “It’s always me [who is to blame for throwing away leads]. I am responsible for this, but also know we are in a project. We’re getting forward, we’re making improvement, so that’s very hopeful. We are in the right direction, so I know where we have to go and which steps we have to take and I’m sure we will be successful in the long term. If we want to stay in the Champions League, we have to win the next game.”

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He, however, admitted United should have won the game: “We were winning and then we’re losing [points]. We should have taken three points, clear. That is also [the case] in more games: at home against Galatasaray, away in Copenhagen, we played so good.

“I have to make a big compliment to the team but, at the same moment, I have to criticise the team and us: as a coaching staff and me, as a manager. We are not defending good enough. We are leading 3-1 and you can’t afford the mistakes we’re making, because that makes the difference.”