Erik ten Hag may have enjoyed Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth, but the Dutchman was quite ‘angry’ as well over his team’s performance. The Red Devils are truly resurrecting under Ten Hag, having now won six consecutive games in all competitions, and four in the Premier League. This mid-week win over the Cherries helped United open a two-point lead over fifth-placed Tottenham in the fourth, who also have played a game more.
However, this turnaround, from the start of the season where United lost their first two games of the new season under Erik ten Hag, has not been achieved by the new manager overnight. The former Ajax boss has stressed on discipline both on and off the pitch which as resulted in their recent success. But he felt it was missing at time during United’s win over Bournemouth, and lamented the team over it, revealed their shot-stopper David de Gea.
De Gea showers praise on Erik ten Hag after fourth straight league win
Manchester United started the Bournemouth in the fourth place, with a chance to open a significant gap between them and fifth-placed Tottenham and cement their top-four chances. A win was then achieved over the Cherries with goals from Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford, who became first player since Wayne Rooney [2012] to score in six home games in a row. Another three points in the bag, and United can now go five clear of Spurs, who had earlier faced a defeat against Aston Villa at home.
However, United did look shaky at times against Bournemouth who failed to take the advantage of those moments. De Gea was on his toes throughout the 90 minutes to earn a deserved clean-sheet, his eighth in 17 league games. But Erik ten Hag was not happy with his ‘keeper exposed so much towards the end of the game, which rather should have been an easy passage for them with a 3-0 lead. De Gea told ManchesterEveningNews:
“He [Ten Hag] was happy with the clean sheet but at the same time he was a bit angry. Because we conceded too many chances and we were too open at the end of the game, so he was a bit angry. He [Ten Hag] is doing well. I say before, he puts every player in the same direction and we feel like a proper team. Everyone wants to win, everyone wants to play for this club and that’s massive. He brought a great spirit to the team, we are playing really well and this is the way we have to show and keep the momentum as well.”
The win boosted United’s top-four hopes and returning to Champions League next season, after the disastrous start they had to the new season. Ten Hag too was happy with the three points, but not to the extent that he lavished praise on his side’s performance. He rather had some harsh words for his men, claiming they didn’t play ‘smart’ enough to see-off the game. Ten Hag said in his post-match presser:
“I’m happy with the result. Today it was not our best game. We have to be honest, we didn’t play that smart as a team. We made great goals, but at times we were quite lucky, and some great saves from David [de Gea]. We could have been smarter as a team. There were big spaces at 2-0 up, sometimes we have to keep the ball and recognise when to go for goal. That is the next step. It is always good to win 3-0. It was a great performance for the crowd, with scoring opportunities for both goals. To win 3-0 is always good.”
On to the next game, United will hope to continue their run of six victories in a row in all competitions against Everton at home in the FA Cup third round. Erik ten Hag’s team is still very much alive in three cup competitions in the Europa League, where they face Barcelona in the Round of 32, Carabao Cup, where a quarterfinals date with Charlton awaits and the FA Cup. The Dutchman will want to win at least one piece of silverware in his debut season and end United’s six-year trophy drought.