Ten Hag's verdict on first-leg victory

Wednesday 25 January 2023 22:30

Erik ten Hag steered Manchester United to a comprehensive first-leg win over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup semi-final, as his men triumphed 3-0 at The City Ground.

Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst - with his first goal for the club - and Bruno Fernandes were all on the scoresheet as the Reds built a commanding lead for the second leg at Old Trafford next Wednesday.

The manager spoke to Sky Sports and MUTV after the game in the East Midlands, and you can read the key quotes from those interviews below, as well as watching his interview with the club channel.
Erik: We're in a tremendous position Video

Erik: We're in a tremendous position

Erik ten Hag reviews United's 3-0 win at Forest in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg...

FIRST REFLECTIONS

"I'm happy, happy with the performance. I think over 90 minutes we controlled the game and there was one moment which could have changed the game. That is what we have to be aware of, that is where we have to improve. But I think overall it was a good performance from our first team and now the first leg is done, with still one leg to go."

FOREST'S DISALLOWED GOAL

"They changed their system and we didn't read it, we didn't anticipate it, and that can't happen. But I have to say that they still did the same counter attacks. We knew that before and it is still a moment where we have to learn, we have to improve as a team. If you want to be top, such moments can't happen." 

ANOTHER SPECIAL STRIKE BY RASHFORD

"Once again, he is actually unstoppable when he is in this mood, when he is in this spirit, in this focus. But [he can] keep going when he keeps this focus. I know football. Football form is a thin line so don't drop off. We all know he can stay there but also the team can work for him and we can bring him in such positions that he can score such goals. And I think as a team we improve in that aspect of the game, that our attacking game is more and more attractive, with more and more adventure, more and more movement so we have to make more investment in that because if you want to be really successful I think every team needs it."

WEGHORST'S FIRST UNITED GOAL


"I know this is what he is capable of. He has a really good goalscoring record but I think we created some more, really good chances. Also, I think on the right side there was a good action from Antony and he [Wout] was on the rebound. It was a real striker's goal and therefore we got it."
Weghorst: Hopefully my goal is first of many! Video

Weghorst: Hopefully my goal is first of many!

Wout Weghorst was delighted to net his maiden Reds strike in the win at Forest...

SO FAR, SO GOOD FOR WOUT

"He's a striker, they live for goals. And he is doing a great job in the games he has played so far. In all the games, good pressing, [and as a] good target. But of course, finally they want to score. And finally, they are there to be present in the box and to finish."

HALF-TIME MESSAGE


"I said at half-time I was not happy with the part of the game in the first half after they [Forest] changed their system. And we have to avoid that. We have to stay calm, pass the ball around not too quickly for the final pass and maybe sometimes use some extra passing and then you can hurt opponents, especially when you are up in an away game. Control the game better, dictate the game."

Nottingham Forest 0 United 3

 Article

Erik ten Hag's men will take a big lead into the second leg of our Carabao Cup semi-final.

RASHFORD SUBSTITUTION

"We already planned for the sub to come on. We have many games to cover, it was 2-0 and he [Marcus] had done his job, scoring another goal. We were winning so we were in a good position and [Alejandro] Garnacho is really hungry to play games, to play minutes and also to come into the team."

GREAT CHANCE TO REACH THE FINAL


"Yes, we have to play one game. We have to do the same, we have to invest, we have to prepare, we have to make a good gameplan and the players have to be focused."

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