Manchester United advanced to the Carabao Cup fourth round with a 3-0 victory against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, but Dutch boss Erik ten Hag had a few gripes.
Despite cruising into the next round of the Carabao Cup, Erik ten Hag advised his Manchester United players not to get over away.
United won their third game in a row following three straight defeats, with goals from Alejandro Garnacho, Casemiro, and Anthony Martial clinching a comfortable victory over Crystal Palace. Despite improving after such a bad start to the season, Ten Hag advised his team to focus on the next game, a Premier League match versus Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The United manager also reminded young winger Garnacho that if he wants to be a regular starter for United, he must contribute more.
“We dominated the game, we had some good attacks, control in possession and scored great goals,” Ten Hag stated. “We recognise that we are not in the position we desire, so we must build, catch up, and work on the process and the results.” Don’t go too far ahead of yourself. The following game is crucial.
“The mood is always good but of course, when you’re not winning at United, there is disappointment and frustration, but the togetherness is always there.”
Although Garnacho scored first, Ten Hag reminded the 19-year-old that he had not contributed in prior games this season when he had started.
“You have seen at the start of the season we played him and then his contribution was not good enough,” Ten Hag stated. “But he also did some good things.” Even when he isn’t performing well, he is always a threat in the game.
“He needs to understand that when he does his job in defence, he will always have his moment and will always be decisive because he has great qualities.” It’s also not simply off the ball. But I’d want to see him input the box in the correct position like today.
“However, I believe it is quite normal for a player of his age to have a lot of room for improvement.” Everyone likes him: the fans, the team, and I, but we also have to demand and push him because he can perform at a high level, but he needs to prove it every day.”