Erik ten Hag has given an honest assessment following Manchester United’s return to Premier League action.
A narrow 1-0 victory saw the Red Devils taste victory in their season opener, but they definitely breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the full-time whistle after Wolverhampton Wanderers’ relentless showing.
Even fans will admit that tonight, United were nowhere near their best, however, they took all three points and will be looking to build on their performance ahead of Saturday’s away trip to face Tottenham Hotspur.
Raphael Varane netted the only goal of the game in the 76th minute to give the Old Trafford faithful something to take home with them.
Ten Hag reacts to season opener
Post-match, Ten Hag addressed the media and reflected on a shaky night from his squad.
“Really pleased with the win of course,” he told Sky Sports. “It was a fight, so welcome back to the season! We know we have to fight for our points. On the ball, it wasn’t a great game, so we have to fight and find a way to win, and that’s what we did.
“No [Wolves didn’t surprise me]. You see the [their] performance in the spring and during pre-season, when you follow that, it’s a good team. We know we have to give everything to get the points. Luckily, we succeeded and we’re happy with that.”
“On the ball, we can be much better, much more calm,” Ten Hag continued. “We have too much [many] easy giveaways, especially our front players – that was not good. But you have to get into the season. We will improve on that factor.
“Easy giveaways gives them [Wolves] the opportunity to counter and then you have to follow, but I think we matched the runs and we dealt with it. The clean sheet, that tells everything. Again, we have a win here at Old Trafford, we have a clean sheet, which is good, so we played well organised. Now, we have to be better on the ball.”
🗣️ "The clean sheet, that tells everything!"
Erik ten Hag "really pleased" with his Man Utd side's start to the Premier League season 🔺👍 pic.twitter.com/Ll8T9WF4zK
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 14, 2023
Footage courtesy of Sky Sports.
