Erik ten Hag

Ten Hag: We played brilliant football

Wednesday 05 April 2023 23:54

Erik ten Hag was delighted with the way Manchester United bounced back to record a 1-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday.

Marcus Rashford was back on the scoresheet in the first half, finishing off a lovely move that included Antony and Marcel Sabitzer, in what proved to be the only goal of the game. 

After demanding a response from the Reds prior to kick-off, the Dutchman was pleased with the Reds' display at Old Trafford against the Bees.

Following the match, Erik conducted post-match interviews and attended his press conference, and you can read the best of his responses below...
Erik: The midfield played really well Video

Erik: The midfield played really well

Ten Hag highlights his star performers, in his analysis of United's 1-0 win over Brentford...

FIRST HALF EXCELLENCE 

"I think [it was] a very good performance. First half we played brilliant football and it's not easy against a very good Brentford. They defend really compact, high, or really deep, so it's not easy to create chances. On the ball, it was very good with the big engine - Bruno Fernandes - he played a brilliant game. We had a couple of chances, but we conceded nothing in the first half, so the defence was very good. Second half we concede only one chance and David De Gea was there, a very good save in the one-on-one. In the second half, we were winning duals, and winning fights and that is the way we have to play."

RASHFORD SCORES AGAIN

"He played a very good game. I think he was very versatile. He came out of the front line and we used him as the target but he also went out wide. I think the combination between him and Marcel Sabitzer and also Jadon Sancho and Antony [was good].

"You can talk almost every game about [him] and when he's not in the game like Sunday [against Newcastle], it's not good for us. We have to bring him into the game but also he has to take responsibility, and [so do] other players. He has to be ready to get into those [scoring] positions and therefore he needs energy, he needs focus, and he has to bring it every game. Today, a great finish again gives us the three points."

Shaw injury update

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The manager is asked why Luke's 250th United appearance came to a premature end.

SHAW’S EARLY EXIT

"In this moment I can't give an answer. I can't say something about it because we have to wait 24 hours and then you can make the right diagnosis. I took him straight off and didn't want to risk [it], but we have to wait for the outcome. I don't want to comment in this moment."

OUR FORTRESS 

"We're happy with that [Old Trafford being a fortress] but it shows that we can do it, we can bring that performance. Now we have to do this in away games, so we have to work on our character and personality to do it. In home games we show personality and character but away we can't always bring it on the pitch."

Things we noticed against Brentford

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Returning to the top four in the Premier League, here are our takeaways from a hard-fought victory over the Bees.

A TEAM EFFORT

"I was really happy with the performance of Jadon Sancho and Antony, and Marcel Sabitzer, because they were a threat the whole game. The return of Antony Martial can help us, so we have options. The whole season we play across Europe the most games, more than other teams, so we need the squad, so everyone has to be ready to come in. You see in the end, Victor [Lindelof] coming in for a short period but that makes a difference."

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