Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag agreed that David de Gea produced a 'terrible' mistake in Sunday's 1-0 defeat at West Ham United. And he revealed a demand he made to his dressing room in the aftermath as the pressure to secure a top-four Premier League finish continues to intensify.
United have suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time since Ten Hag's opening two games in charge against Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford.
And De Gea was culpable for his latest nightmare blunder for Said Benrahma's winning goal in the first half. The Spaniard was caught off guard by Benrahma's weak effort from range, allowing the ball to trickle past him to lift the roof off the London Stadium.
And toothless United couldn't rediscover their momentum, stumbling to their eighth Premier League loss away from home.
After full-time, Ten Hag agreed that De Gea's error was 'terrible' but insisted that the team has to take responsibility for the result.
He told BT Sport: "Yes [it was a terrible mistake], but it's about individuals. Mistakes are part of football, and then as a team, you have to deal with it.
"You have to bounce back because it's a team sport. And as you said, over the season, he's the one [goalkeeper] with the most clean sheets.
"Also, we did it as a team, but that can happen. It's part of football. Everyone has to take responsibility, but more importantly, as a team, get the result."
It leaves United just one point ahead of Liverpool in fourth with a game in hand after six successive victories by Jurgen Klopp's side.
But Ten Hag explained that he was still confident that the Red Devils could rediscover their winning form and hold on to Champions League qualification next season.
"That's what I just said in the dressing room," Ten Hag responded when asked whether he was still upbeat about United's top-four hopes.
"'Come on. It can happen. We've shown this season we've had terrible setbacks, but every time you bounce back. So, once again, show the character and go on."
United host Wolves at Old Trafford on Saturday in what is nothing short of a must-win encounter.
Want the latest football news? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here
