Bayern Munich star responds to criticism from Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag

Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies insists he was unfazed by criticism from Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, saying the Dutchman was probably just trying to motivate his own players.

The German champions hosted the Red Devils in the Champions League last month and Ten Hag unexpectedly criticised the full-back’s defensive abilities.

The Red Devils manager handed Facundo Pellistri his first start of the season in the match and asked about picking the winger, Ten Hag told TNT Sports: “Pelli is doing very well over a longer period.

“He came from South America, to start against Brighton with three coming from South America, it’s a tough journey.

“I think also it’s not fair not to give him a chance. Today, also I think tactically it fits very good because they have Davies who is very offensive, he has a lot of speed, Pelle can match that.

“He can match the defending but also offensively he has the capabilities to also go and attack, Davies is not a great defender, with his dribbling… I think it’s a good game for him.”

Bayern won 4-3 against United. Over the weekend, Davies was asked about Ten Hag’s comments, and the 22-year-old replied accordingly.

“I think as a coach, he said it to motivate his players and I’m not sure what he saw but I’m not here to say he was wrong,” Davies told ESPN.

“I do have a lot of good defensive ability and I showed that during the game. It was actually after the game that I saw the interview, but at the end of the day all that matters is I did my job on the pitch and we got the three points.”

The Canada international also said the comments had no impact on him:

“It doesn’t really hype me, I just have to go out there and play my game,” he said.

“I don’t let criticism and what people say get to me.”