Manchester United claimed three crucial points against Liverpool earlier this week and manager Erik ten Hag will hope that acts as a catalyst for the rest of the season after a challenging start.
United had lost both of their opening games prior to welcoming Liverpool to Old Trafford and the Reds were heavy underdogs but somewhat comfortably registered their first win.
Despite losing the first two games, Ten Hag has now insisted that the spirit in the squad was already good but was enhanced further with the win against their bitter rivals.
🗣 "Liverpool is the best playing football team in the world. When you beat them it gives a lot of confidence."
Erik ten Hag on the mood in the dressing room after beating Liverpool pic.twitter.com/3lbL5dsZku
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 26, 2022
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“The spirit was already good but now it’s even better, it’s clear,” Ten Hag told Football Daily, as seen above. “But it’s only one game so we have to build further on, we have to develop and I think everyone is aware of that. Yeah, I think it’s important, of course.
“I said before the game, Liverpool, especially last year, the best football team, for me, in the world. When you beat them, it must give a lot of confidence.”
Next up for United is a trip to Southampton and the manager has confirmed that Anthony Martial, a half-time substitute against Liverpool, has been ruled out due to injury. New signing Casemiro has taken part in training and is available for selection.