Erik ten Hag found plenty of positives from the game but was clearly not happy about some of the first-half display.
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Manchester United resumed their domestic duty after international break with an important 3-0 win over Everton in the Premier League. Even though the scoreline might make it seem like an easy victory, the reality was far from it, especially in the first half. Following Alejandro Garnacho’s wonder goal in the opening few minutes of the game, there was a drop in United’s tempo. It became evident as the half progressed, with Everton creating big opportunities.
However, last-ditch defending and incredible saves by Andre Onana kept the scoreline 1-0 in Manchester United’s favour at the break. The Red Devils though came out strongly in second half and took full control of the game against Everton, with Marcus Rashford, from the penalty spot, and Anthony Martial getting on the scoreboard to make it a comfortable win in the end. After the Premier League match, manager Erik ten Hag found plenty of positives from the game but was clearly not happy about some of the first-half display.
“After that start of the game, we were too easy going, too comfortable and I criticised the team at half-time because they were thinking we are already there. You can’t do it. The game is 95 minutes, longer even. I think there were two times of six minutes injury. So you have to bring it in 100 minutes on the pitch, show initiative in and out of possession, everyone. And in the second half, they did very well and then we had the highest score this season,” ten Hag told Sky Sports.
He then spoke about the wonder goal scored by Garnacho in the opening minutes of the game, which could very well be in the debate for the goal of the season contender at the end of the campaign. Reacting to that incredible overhead kick, ten Hag said, “The season is still long but it is probably the Goal of the Season. It was not only that finish, but also the build up was very good with the switch [of play]. We talked about being brave, being dynamic, being proactive. But the finish is fantastic.”
In fact, the United manager was happy to see all three of their frontmen getting on the scoresheet on Sunday, something that has not happened at the club for a while now. “Our three offensive players scored and that is very good. That is what we need, that they go and score because that will help us as a team. And I said we need that to get into the season, to be successful, absolutely. That will give them confidence and we have to take this into our next game,” he explained
When Man United won a penalty at the start of the second half, Bruno Fernandes was expected to take the spot-kick like always. However, Fernandes passed the ball to Rashford to help him end his drought in front of goal. “You saw how great a captain Bruno is. He could see, feel, assess that his team-mate needed that goal. Also he had the confidence in Rashy to take the penalty because he knows he is a very good penalty taker. ‘Take that ball and take your confidence.’ As a team, you need that. You need such leadership and you back each other, you cover each other and you give each other the confidence because you know you need it to get a successful season,” the manager stated.
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