Erik ten Hag has delivered his verdict on Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League, with the Dutchman’s side returning to winning ways in the league after two games without a win.
United had to dig deep to secure the three points, with Casemiro’s red card after roughly 70 minutes gifting the visitors their route back into the game.
It looked like all of United’s hard work was going to be undone when Palace pulled one back but a resilient showing from the courageous players in Red made sure to register a 13th straight home win.
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag was keen on focusing on the positives and named United’s counter-pressing as one of the ‘fabulous’ aspects of the win.
🗣️ "The last 30 minutes we showed we can battle, we can fight. There's a big team spirit!"
Erik ten Hag reacts to Man United's win over Palace and is annoyed with the refereeing in the incident which saw Casemiro sent off. pic.twitter.com/gSMZFCoLLD
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) February 4, 2023
“The first 70 minutes, we were really good in defensive transition,” Ten Hag told SuperSport Football. “Our counter-pressing was fabulous. The last 20 minutes, we showed that we can battle. We can fight. It’s a big team spirit, they stand for each other and we are happy with that.”
Asked to comment on Casemiro’s dismissal, Ten Hag was quick to point out that his midfield general was trying to protect his opponent over anything else.
“Such things must not happen on the pitch. It started with a bad foul. He (Jeffrey Schlupp) could have injured the player, he takes a big risk. It’s like, emotions getting up and both sides. It happens a lot.
“Players are pushing each other but also protecting each other. Casemiro was protecting the player (Will Hughes) from going into attack but he was, obviously, sent off. We are totally unhappy with that situation and his sending off, of course.”
