In response to Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Luton Town, Erik ten Hag shared his opinions.
Although the manager thought the victory should have been more convincing, he was pleased with the character displayed in withstanding the visitors’ late comeback attempt and Andre Onana’s second straight clean sheet.
Despite several opportunities being missed in both half, Victor Lindelof’s goal in the 59th minute proved to be the game-winning goal.
Check out what the manager had to say to MUTV, BBC, beIN Sports, and Sky Sports, the official broadcasters at Old Trafford.
WE HAVE TO ATTACK
Naturally, we’re happy about the victory. If we had scored sooner, we could have made things simpler. We had plenty of opportunities, but it takes time to score a goal, therefore we were unable to score another. When your opponent smells you coming to the finish line, it’s never easy. One ball in the box might decide the outcome of the match. We therefore had to persevere, and I would want to thank the crew.”
IT WAS MERCIOUS
“I believe we generated seven or eight excellent opportunities in the first two half, which we either didn’t net or did once. However, don’t give up a goal because, in the end, it was a fight to the death. You are aware that a team can always score one goal for a little period of time, even if Luton did not earn it at the time. They put up a lot of effort, but I believe we dictated and controlled the game.”
THE STRIKE OF VICTOR
[The conclusion?] Very good. With Harry Maguire as his center-half partner, he played a very excellent Lindelof. In front is Scott McTominay as well. Victor’s excellent performance and goal were very significant.”
GOALS OF STRIKERS WILL ACHIEVED
“It’s great that we generated fantastic opportunities, and [Rasmus] Hojlund has already scored five goals in the Champions League this week. He can certainly succeed in the Premier League, in my opinion. Marcus [Rashford] is confident in his ability to score. He doesn’t score right now, but as long as we provide opportunities, it will eventually happen. I firmly believe it.”
AFTER THE BREAK
“When we are back, we have three big away games [Everton, Galatasaray and Newcastle United] and we have to be ready for that. I think we are in a position that’s not too bad, even when we are not playing, since the start of the season, that well. Once we start playing well, and it will come, I think we’ll be in contention for the top four.”