Erik: That win honoured Sir Bobby

The Reds took to the field at Bramall Lane just hours after it was announced that United legend Sir Bobby had sadly passed away.

While the news rocked the club and those associated with the Reds, Ten Hag said he and his players had a responsibility to honour the icon and win against Sheffield United.

After the match, which was sealed by strikes from Academy graduate Scott McTominay and right-back Diogo Dalot, Ten Hag spoke to various media outlets.

Here are a selection of the Dutchman's quotes from a plethora of interviews and his post-match press conference...

REMEMBERING SIR BOBBY

"We have to pay contribution. We have to pay, how I say, our big goodbye and remembering Bobby Charlton. What he did was magnificent. We said before the game about how he was not only outstanding on the pitch but also off the pitch. So [we wanted] to credit it and reward his big personality. We did it with a win to celebrate that but also especially to remember Bobby Charlton. I think we did it in a decent way."

DID THE NEWS DISTRACT AT ALL?

"I heard [that] some players, they got inspiration from it. They wanted to win to mark it. It was an extra motivation, absolutely."

RECOGNISING HIS IMPACT

"We are very sad and our thoughts are with his family. Especially with Lady Norma, with his children, his grandchildren. With his passing, a legend, a giant, is passing away. His achievements are so immense and huge. Global. You see the facts that he achieved, it is incredible. His titles, trophies, his contributions. I had never had the honour to meet him, but I heard that despite all his trophies and games, he was so humble and a big personality. He was an example for all of us as a footballer and also society, globally."

A GAME OF TWO HALVES

"The first half was not our game. We made it their game. Opportune, direct. We made it too direct instead of keeping the ball, passing it round. Keeping them working. We were also very direct and then we lost control of the game. They shouldn't score, especially in such moments and that has to give confidence and take the ball and let the opponent run. We made some corrections at half-time and I think after half-time it was more the side we want to see."

PRAISE FOR MAGUIRE

"I have to say to Harry [Maguire] - Jonny [Evans] as well - but Harry, he is playing like we want him to play. Very proactive. Out of possession, dominating his opponent. Stepping in when necessary. Reading the game. But also in possession very proactive stepping in, delivering good passing. Vertical passing. Good switches. I am happy with his performance."

NO CONCERNS OVER HOJLUND

"It is not a concern [that Rasmus Hojlund hasn't scored in the Premier League]. He is scoring for Denmark, he is scoring for us in the Champions League so he will score for us also in the Premier League. I have no doubts about that. Today he was two or three times in a very good spot. There will come his moment and he will finish."

MANAGING PLAYERS' LOADS

"You see he [Hojlund] plays often. But the idea behind this, we have to manage his game minutes. But it is also internal competition to give others the opportunity. But definitely, we have to manage his game minutes. Coming up [there are] many games. We are now in October but until the end of the season [there are] so many games. We need everyone on board and we need everyone sharp and to keep him sharp. If I see the programme for the coming weeks we have to swap during games, between games, otherwise we don't keep the energy and we don't keep the focus in the team. Also we want to do something with subs to bring a new energy in the team and also from a tactical approach, you want to do something."

"We have to build on but we have to also step up. I am happy with the performance and the step up in the second half but not in the first half. We have to go from game to game. Not to look too far ahead. [Now] we focus on Copenhagen."