Ten Hag reacts after United return to winning ways against Brentford
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By Martin Graham | 6th Apr 2023
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was pleased to see his side put their three-game winless run to an end. The Red Devils claimed a narrow 1-0 victory against Brentford on Wednesday to return to the top four, though level on points with third-place Newcastle.
It was not the most dominant of performances by the Red Devils but Marcus Rashford stepped up as usual to secure a much-needed three points. That victory could be invaluable in the grand scheme of things and Ten Hag is not taking the win for granted.
The Premier League win did come at a cost though, with defender Luke Shaw having to be substituted in the first half due to a hamstring injury. The extent of the injury remains to be seen but it could prove costly as the Englishman is one of United’s most trusted men at the back. Tyrell Malacia came in for Shaw in the 37th minute and Ten Hag will now be hoping it is not too serious.
Ten Hag issues Shaw injury update and verdict on United’s win
Speaking on Shaw’s injury post-game, Ten Hag said: “In this moment, I can’t give something about it because we have to wait for 24 hours”
“Then you can make the right diagnosis. So I don’t want to comment in this moment.”
“I can’t say in this moment. I wait for tomorrow what is the diagnosis. I took him straight off and didn’t want to risk [it]. But we have to wait for the outcome.”
Marcus Rashford has enjoyed a phenomenal camapaign and was pleased to end his recent drought; his forst goal in four games and 28th of the campaign. His goal proved to be the winner, meaning he has scored 10 winning goals in the Premier League this season, the most by a Manchester United player in a season since Wayne Rooney in 2009-10 (also 10).
Ten Hag did praise Rashford but was quick to give an overall applause for his team as a unit.
He said: “Very good but we can talk almost every game about it and when he is not in the game like on Sunday, it is no good for us,” Ten Hag said on Rashford.
“We have to bring him in the game but also he has to take responsibility and also other players. So I was really happy with the performance from Jadon Sancho, Antony and Marcel Sabitzer because all game they were a threat and they can do it. The retune of Anthony Martial can help us so we have options there.
“We didn’t get the second goal, life would have been easier but now you have to fight to the end. The passion and desire that was missing on Sunday, we showed today. We forgot our standards but we have to return to that if you want to be successful in the final stages of the season”
“This has to give us energy but we go again. Saturday is a big game again, it is going to be a hard game and we know we need energy to beat Everton.”
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
