Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was delighted at his side’s dominant 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace, and insists it is a positive step in the right direction for the Red Devils.
United claimed an easy win over Roy Hodgson’s side, after scoring twice in the first half and adding a second after the break to ensure we began our cup defence in the best possible fashion.
Alejandro Garnacho kept his cool to slot beyond substitute goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, before Casemiro nodded in emphatically from Mason Mount’s corner. Within 10 minutes of the second half, Anthony Martial swept home a fine half-volley to wrap up the victory.
Following the match, Ten Hag shared his thoughts on what he described as a top performance from his side.
Ten Hag thrilled with dominant win over Crystal Palace
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag said: “We are moving forward”
“Oh, it’s a good night, as you said. And I think we played quite well and dominated the game. So that was what we were looking for.”
“But I also said disappointment and frustration [from the losses]. But the mood is then dropping. The spirit was always good, togetherness was always there and is there. And you could also see that today. And we make a step forward in Burnley, how we defend, how we do that, and togetherness today on the ball and we make another step. So still a lot to come, but we are making [progress] and we are moving forward.”
“Yeah, but that’s why we play him there and I know he’s capable. I said before, he is a player [who] if the team needs him, he will play there. And then he gives contribution to the team and that is quality, but also qualities, also then the energy and the dynamic he brings.”
Speaking about Mason Mount who was substituted, he added: “Definitely [we substituted him as a precaution]. Before he’s returning from an injury and we have to build this up. And when we go too quickly, you get the drop. And we want to avoid that. And I think his performance was very good.”
And about Casemiro who also scored a goal, he said: “You know the qualities of Casemiro and he adds so much to the team in his distribution, but also in his arriving. And now, of course, it’s from a corner. And his heading is a threat. But I think on the third goal [he got the] assist.”
