2023-10-25 06:28:55
By Adam Marshall October 25, 2023 07:28 AM
Erik ten Hag gave his opinion on Manchester United’s spectacular victory over FC Copenhagen (1-0) in the Champions League.
The Reds led in the final seconds of added time, thanks to a header from Harry Maguire in the second half, but they conceded a penalty, obtained by Jordan Larsson. Andre Onana threw himself to his left to make a magnificent save and spark scenes of joy.
The coach spoke to TNT Sports, MUTV and other official broadcasters after the match and was clearly relieved that we are now within a point of Galatasaray, second in Group A.
Here are some of his words…
WE NEEDED IT
“I’m very happy, we had a narrow escape because we needed to win. We worked very hard to get this victory. The first half was poor, but then we came into the game, we scored that goal and then we conceded a penalty. So it was important because we needed a win today. I think we created a few chances, but we didn’t take them. It’s a good thing that a defender came forward and scored a magnificent goal, with a nice assist from Christian Eriksen. I think we should have scored more, but we could also have conceded more goals. So 1-0 and I’m happy with this result, a clean sheet and we scored.”
THE DRAMA OF THE END
“It’s always complicated. It’s part of Manchester United’s DNA. It was a crazy match, a nervous match for us at the end. I have no influence on this penalty and we feel bad in those moments because we worked so hard to win and then, in the last seconds, we concede a penalty and it gives Andre the opportunity to show off your talents. I think it was a great save.”
L’IMPACT D’ERIS
“Christian is always positive and, as you see, he brings football. We didn’t play in the first half, it was difficult. Copenhagen is well organized, so you have to break them down and find the right moment to do the double six, the timings, and Christian is good at that. He is calm and makes the right passes. He is intelligent and his decision-making on the ball is often very good, not only on the goal but also on the distribution of passes.
STAFF CHANGES
“Every time we have to change the rearguard. If you look at last year, we had a very good defense, very consistent with Raphaël Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro up front. The whole time we controlled the match through possession of the ball. And Eriksen, when we have a lot of possession, can make the difference. But this season, every time we have to make adjustments in defense and routines disappear, the midfield opens up and we struggle to find the right balance. We’ve seen games this season where we didn’t have good possession with Christian, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in midfield, and we lost control of the midfield. So it’s about balance and I’m sure when we get back into the routine, especially at the back four, and we’re consistent, it will give them the foundation to play.”
ONANA ON SINGING
“I know how good he is and what his abilities are. At United, you have to show it in every match, have the right concentration and the right state of mind. If so, it will perform well. I think it’s very important for him. Of course he was criticized, but now he saves the points for the guys, he made a brilliant save just after half-time. You can see this team is growing, we have a lot of setbacks as a team but, in the locker room, we face them and, little by little, we progress.”
OVERCOME CRITICISM
“Absolutely, it’s normal. At Manchester United we have to win. When the team doesn’t win, everyone is criticized and some players are criticized more than others, especially Harry and André. It was more or less overkill, but it gives them both confidence and will help the team take the next step.”
CHANCES OF QUALIFICATION
“We have to go from match to match. Today we saw that there is no easy match. Copenhagen played well and organized well. The next game is against them, so if you don’t play to your level, you won’t go far against them. If you want to pass, you have to take points. We need at least two more wins and in the next game we will have another opportunity.”
DERBY DAY APPROACHES
“The next match is coming very quickly. It’s a very difficult match [comme vous le dites] because we are playing against a good team, but we know what we are capable of. As always, it’s a special match in the city. We will be ready, I’m sure, the players are already very excited. Especially in this week when Sir Bobby passed away, we will of course surpass ourselves to take the three points here.”
By Adam Marshall October 25, 2023 07:28 AM
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