Manchester United are climbing the Premier League table after a 2-1 win over Sheffield United on Saturday, with goals from Scott McTominay and Diogo Dalot scoring the goals.
The goals came on either side of Sheffield United’s equaliser from the spot and Erik ten Hag will be hoping to turn back-to-back victories into a run now after a disastrous start to the campaign.
United were, however, far from impressive against Sheffield United, who have collected just one point from their first nine games back in the top flight.
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag spoke on the absence of dominance from his side and admitted that all games are tough in the Premier League.
“Every game is tough in the Premier League,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying by the BBC.
“Always after international breaks when players play different styles and systems with their nations and then when you get back you have to get back to your routine. You saw in the first half it was not our best game, it was far from fluid. We got a goal but we have to be more composed and more mature to stay in the game at 1-0 up and now give up the goal so quickly.
“At half time I said find a way to win and I think we were much better in the second half. Scott McTominay is a very good fighter. He arrived there at the right moment and it was a good goal.”
The manager also paid his respects to the family of Sir Bobby Charlton after the legendary United figure sadly passed away on Saturday.
Charlton graduated from the club’s famous academy and went on to win the European Cup after surviving the horrifying Munich Air Disaster. He also won the World Cup with England and ended his career as the top goalscorer of all-time for both club and country.
“Very sad, our thoughts are with his family, especially his wife, his children and grandchildren,” Ten Hag said.
“What he achieved in football was immense. Also his personality off the pitch. The football world lost a big man. We had to show our respect for him and I think we did that today. We wanted to celebrate but also to remember him.”
United are now set to welcome Copenhagen to Old Trafford in midweek, with United desperate to earn their first three points. Another defeat, a third from as many games, would almost definitely rule out any chance of advancing into the knockout phase.
every game is tough when you’re erik ten hag.
funny how eddie howe doesnt seem to have tough games every week, nor klopp, guardiola, arteta, de zerbi. yes they have some games that are tough, but not every game.
what do united do on the training pitch? ETH is supposed to be a great coach yet united never ever score a goal that has come from the training ground. still no patterns of play after 16 months.