Ten Hag: Reds are following the rules for success

It follows consecutive victories for United, backing up the win against Liverpool with a 1-0 shut-out of Southampton at St Mary’s.

Ten Hag now feels that his team is beginning to get used to what he is asking of them, following a difficult start to the campaign.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, the boss said: “I saw a team on the pitch, good organisation, fight for each other, following the rules and I think there were also some really good moments from playing football and we scored in the best part of Man United [during Saturday's game]: after half-time.”

“There is always a journey that you have with your team and we started from the first day in pre-season to get that in and now still the window is not closed so you have every time a new player is in to inform them about the rules and then play together.

“Football is a team sport, football is a complicated sport from 11 players against 11 players so that takes time first to present it and second to train that and you need training but also games to get that in.”

Ten Hag went on to say: “I saw already good moments in the game against Liverpool, today as well and I mention for instance the chance before half-time that was really well played, the three moments after half-time that was really well played, but of course I would be more happy if we also controlled the game in the last part where Southampton makes a lot of pressure, bring a lot of long balls in and then yeah I expect more control, keep more the ball in possession or be really a threat and break out or produce the second goal.”

United recorded our first clean sheet of the season in the victory on the south coast, something which the Dutchman saw great unity in.

“I think we defend as a team, I was quite happy with most of it. I saw room for improvement but it’s quite clear that the back four was a real unit with David De Gea, with togetherness, but also the two in front – Scott and Eriksen did that really well. So I will say that it’s a team performance.”

Ten Hag acknowledged that United were perhaps not at our very best on Saturday but, in the Premier League, sometimes you need to do what it takes to get you over the line.

“I think here in the Premier League are the best coaches and the best players and the highest intensity and always in a different way so that is quite interesting and you have to adapt to it and also find a certain way to win games and that is what we did today.”