Spirit and togetherness pleases Ten Hag
Erik ten Hag identified the good character and resilience of his Manchester United team as key qualities in Sunday's goalless draw at Aston Villa.
The Reds maintained our strong record at Villa Park – where we have only lost once in our last 26 Premier League visits – via a third successive away clean sheet in the league.
The boss stressed that the players showed “very good organisation and togetherness” in the West Midlands, to keep an impressive Villa side – who beat Bayern Munich in midweek – at bay.
Scroll down to read the post-match thoughts of Ten Hag and watch his interview with MUTV…
Ten Hag: We have to improve our scoring ability
Despite United's defensive sternness at Villa Park, Erik ten Hag wants the Reds to be more ruthless in front of goal...
GOOD TEAM SPIRIT AND TOGETHERNESS
"I think the performance of United was very good. Defending and in possession we controlled the game. I think it's the fourth clean sheet this season. You see we had a very good organisation and togetherness. There was good character and good spirit as a team. Determined, resilient.”
CHANCES AT A PREMIUM
“We almost didn't concede a chance. When you defend like this and get some luck... in the end they had a big chance, but it was almost the only chance, I think. We created some chances, [but] also not so many chances. We hit the crossbar and also Rashford had chances. But the two teams were really balanced. We have come through two very tough away games. This is a team; we showed the belief and faith we have."
WE NEED TO IMPROVE IN ATTACK
"In Porto, our build-up was brilliant. [We were] so good in the first 25 minutes; we outplayed Porto. Also [Crystal] Palace, in possession we were so good, [so] we have had games this season where we are good. But today we didn't create too many chances, but also we played a great team. We created loads of chances in our seven games but we have to step up. We have to take into consideration [Rasmus] Hojlund is returning, he's still coming up to full fitness. But others are stepping up. I was impressed from [Marcus] Rashford, also [Alejandro] Garnacho is so good, and Antony at the end."
RASHFORD SUBBED DUE TO BOOKING
"Yes, that [the potential for a second yellow card] was one of the reasons to take him off. If it was another foul, probably he would be sent off. We can't take another risk."
DIALOGUE WITH THE CLUB HIERARCHY
"We always speak, every week we speak. We are all on board together, on one page, we know what we are working through. It's a long-term process."
INTERNATIONAL BREAK INCONVENIENT
"It's never a good time, you want to keep going. You see we are improving, but now the players go away. Every club has to deal with this."