Manchester United coach, Eric Ten Hag, praised his players’ performance after beating Liverpool 2-1 yesterday evening, Monday, in the third round of the English Premier League.
United had lost its previous two matches against Brighton (1-2) and Brentford (0-4), to present an enjoyable performance and defeat its traditional counterpart in English football and collect its first 3 points in the league.
“We can talk about tactical matters, but it’s all about behaviour, there was communication and fighting spirit,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports after the match.
“I wanted a different style and a different attitude and that’s what the players brought on the pitch, it’s just the beginning, we can play with more composure and more danger, be a team and have a good spirit and that’s what we saw.”
“It’s not always about what I say, I’ve said we have to act and not talk too much and make sure we are a team in a fight and be brave and give each other other options.”
Ten Hag praised his players, saying: “I am delighted that Rashford and Sancho scored both goals. Fernandes took responsibility and was encouraged by the captain’s armband. He showed leadership qualities with Varane. They made a huge difference. It’s not just about them. We need more leaders. When you want to win you need to.” The leaders and the spirit we showed.”
And he added, “I’m happy with the performance, but we have to give it in every game. Don’t just give it to Liverpool. Every Premier League game is tough. We need to give it in every game, and start again in that spirit.”
On his exclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire from the squad, Ten Hag said: “I have a team and we have to use it, we play 50 to 60 games, game by game, we will see which team we choose. The near future too.”
“We have the right elements, I’m convinced, the transfer window is not closed and you need numbers and quality as well.”