Antonio Valencia dig underlines Manchester United and Erik ten Hag issue

Antonio Valencia aimed a dig at Manchester United players following their defeat to Fulham, saying 'there were never any excuses' during his time at the club.

United have lost 10 times in the Premier League this season, and Fulham's victory was their eighth home loss across all competitions - their most since the 1973–74 season, when the club was relegated to Division Two. The result leaves United eight points behind the fourth Champions League qualifying place in the Premier League table with 12 games remaining.

Speaking after the match, manager Erik ten Hag urged supporters to look at the bigger picture and remained adamant that his side were on the right track to put things right. "I'm not that opportune after one defeat," Ten Hag stressed. "You have to see the bigger picture and the bigger picture looks very good.

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"We have to catch up in certain positions, get the injuries back and then we will be in more balance. That is one thing and also strengthen the squad, and strengthen the squad in the transfer windows."

Ten Hag's excuses do not quite add up on a day when United were disappointing throughout, particularly against a Fulham side who were themselves without two of their best players. That was a feeling shared by former club captain Valencia, who took to social media and aimed a dig at the United squad following their 15th defeat of the campaign.

Taking to X, he posted a picture from his playing days, adding the caption, 'Until the last moment in this shirt, there were never any excuses.'

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