Ten Hag: We needed this win

The manager felt the Reds were in control, with first-half penalties from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford enough to earn three precious points.

While praising the forward running of Alejandro Garnacho and Rashford, Ten Hag admitted he was not concerned by the number of efforts the Toffees managed on goal, and feels his team are capable of keeping the pressure on Aston Villa and Tottenham in the hunt for a place in next season's UEFA Champions League.

Here is a selection of what he had to say to the official broadcasters, including MUTV...

VITAL VICTORY

"It was a win, it was important. The team fought, with team spirit, and created a lot of chances because Everton were very brave in the high press. We could have done with a bit more calmness and composure maybe. We needed this win. We wanted to keep the pressure on the teams above us."

GAINING CONSISTENCY

"We had, this year, one poor performance, probably against Fulham. Most of the other games, we won. We need wins. We know we need to catch up after a difficult autumn. We're still in the hunt but it depends on them. We have to win our games but we know, in the Premier League, everyone is killing everyone. They will also drop points so, if we do our job, we can close [the gap]."

EVERTON'S THREAT

"I'm not sure they created so many chances. Our xG was much higher for us than them. They had attempts but our team is good defending, low-block defending and disciplined. The players are very comfortable with it. They had low-quality chances and then they leave spaces in behind that we can exploit. We are happy with the win and the way we did it."

GARNACHO AND RASHFORD UNSTOPPABLE

"Garna and Rashy, they are almost unstoppable, when they have the moments in behind. Garnacho is progressing very well and we are very pleased with this. His contribution today was huge, with his runs, his dribbles. It's attractive as well for the audience, obviously we want to show something. I think [they were] well-deserved penalties. He gave us space to get in behind and Rashy also, when he gets in those positions, is difficult to stop."

RASHY'S FORM 

"When he's on his best, Rashy can be the same [as Garnacho]. With his speed, dribbles and directness. He did very well. Last week, he scored a very good goal. His form is okay and increasing. I hope he gets his best form when we come to the end of the season."

ONANA STARTING TO SHINE

"The whole season, he's performing very well in the Premier League. From the start, he was okay and has really improved. Now we see, when he feels comfortable, his performance is increasing. He can go to higher levels, I'm sure. There is room for improvement and he will do it, if he works hard and is focused, like he is now. He's a very good goalkeeper."