Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praised his Manchester United side after they ended their losing streak by beating Burnley on Saturday.
The Red Devils secured a 1-0 win at Turf Moor thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ volley, ending a three-match losing streak after losses to Arsenal, Brighton and Bayern Munich.
It hasn’t been smooth sailing for Ten Hag – who was pictured speaking to football director John Murtough after the match – but his side moved up to eighth in the table with the win, although they are still four points clear of the top four. .
But it was a victory to stop the rot against a home team ready to go, who hit the post through Zeki Amdouni and enjoyed more of the ball and efforts on goal.
Ten Hag pointed to his side’s resilience after the match, with United again missing a number of players through injuries, including Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in defence.
Erik ten Hag praised his side’s ‘spirit and fight’ as they defeated Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday evening
Bruno Fernandes’ strike was enough to ensure United ended their three-match losing streak
Ten Hag spoke with United director of football John Murtough (left) after the match.
‘It was clear. Of course we needed that win,” the Dutchman told the BBC. ‘We played a tough series of games against good opponents. There was no need to lose those games. Today was a must-win.
“The team spirit and how they compete together (was impressive). It was a team that attacked with 11 and defended with 11. They supported each other.
‘A lot has gone against us, such as injuries and decisions, like tonight. Murphy’s law where everything goes against us. You have to fight and find a turning point. It shows that the locker room is together, they are fighting together.”
Jonny Evans was part of the United defense that kept a clean sheet in the Northern Irishman’s first start since rejoining the club, and he also played the ball for Fernandes to shoot from.
Ten Hag praised Jonny Evans (left), who provided an assist and kept a clean sheet on his first start since returning to the club
He thought he had given his team the lead in the first half but it was disallowed because Rasmus Hojlund was in an offside position, but he was complimented by his manager for his performance.
“We have played good football in phases of all the matches we have played, but if you want to win you have to do it consistently,” said Ten Hag. ‘That was a brilliant spell of the game. Evans’ pass was brilliant, as was Bruno’s movement and finish.
‘Last year we had the most clean sheets in the Premier League. We were disciplined and followed the rules. If we do that, it will be difficult to play against Manchester United.
‘He (Evans) gave the team peace. His skills were brilliant, as was the goal.”
