Ten Hag: We have to be more decisive
Erik ten Hag has urged his players to be more decisive after Manchester United's hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in our final outing of 2022.
Speaking with several broadcasters at full-time, including BT Sport, BBC Match of the Day, TalkSPORT, Viaplay Norway, and our very own MUTV, Ten Hag gave a comprehensive analysis of the away win.
Here are some key comments from the boss after the Reds moved into the Premier League's top four…
Ten Hag: Be ready, be bright, be decisive
Erik spells out his message to the players, as he reacts to the Reds' hard-fought win over Wolves...
"It's what you could expect [a difficult game] - new manager, his first home game. They have good players and a good team, so we had to be [on the] front foot but we were not in the first half, I wasn't happy with the performance. I think the second half was better. We should have scored before half-time, but [we also have to] be ready, be bright, and be decisive."
DISJOINTED FIRST HALF
"You have a game plan but sometimes things are not as we expected. They did well but the good thing is, they didn't create that many chances and we did. But you have to be sharp. We had the chances to score that first goal but we didn't score them. At half-time I told the players that with this attitude, you will not win this game. We have to change everyone to deliver 10 per cent more."
BUILDING MOMENTUM
"I think it is too short after the restart [to tell]. It is always difficult especially when games come so close behind each other. Every time to refresh, to have the energy, the right attitude, today in the first half we didn't succeed in that. But in the second half it was a good reaction from the team but of course I want it from the start."
RESILIENT REDS
"I think the back four, with the keeper, did a good job. But it's always about teamwork. In the first half, the pressing was not that good, in the second I thought we were far better."
LEFT-FOOTED LUKE AT CENTRE-BACK
"That is one of the reasons [why Shaw played there]. You get better angles in possession, but in this game it was also important - they have speed on the right wing and Luke Shaw can defend that."
Rashford: It's a big plus for us
Marcus Rashford discusses an important attribute in the squad and describes how it feels to be on a scoring streak...
"IOf course [I am]. I was convinced when he knew what he did, that this would be the reaction. He is in a good mood and spirit, so he was ready to give the answer. It is the right answer so I am happy with it. He had the right attitude when he came in, that is how it has to be. But, of course, we have to avoid this [situation] because we have to start with the best 11. We created scoring opportunities but we didn't score them. So, to then have a player on the bench who can score, in very good shape, we have to bring him on. You can see, not only by his goal but also by the way he tried to continue to score a second goal, it makes us better."
MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
"I think so. We also today created a lot of chances and once again we had a clean sheet, so it shows that we are hard to beat and that this is a team that can defend very disciplined, and we have to keep that process going. We have a threat in the front line and we have many players who can deliver an end product."