Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has claimed that during the team’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona on Thursday night, he advised the players to have faith in themselves. Due to goals from Fred and Antony, the Red Devils battled to a significant victory at Old Trafford. The club’s supporters are now willing to dream once more.
Following a foul by Bruno Fernandes inside the box, Robert Lewandowski scored a penalty to put Barcelona ahead of Manchester United.
And now that goal has been scored, Erik Ten Hag has disclosed what he said to the players at halftime at his post-game press conference.
“I emphasised the belief,” said the 53-year-old, who has worked wonders since his appointment back in the summer.
“It was too flat first half. We had our spare man, Casemiro we didn’t use enough.”
“Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a lot of space on the right side, we didn’t use enough.”
“I think in the pressing we could be more brave. So that is what we emphasised.”
“The second was to make the sub with Antony who brought more speed in the play and who brings belief on the pitch.”
Erik Ten Hag expressed his joy with how United turned the game around in a separate interview with BT Sport.
As Fernandes passed the ball to Fred, the Brazil international scored to tie the score for the Red Devils.
Then, Antony scored a thrilling injury-time victory to set up loud jubilation all across the stadium.
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Erik Ten Hag on United’s win against Barcelona
“Yes, we’ve had some good wins, Liverpool and Arsenal but I think this over two legs – Barcelona are La Liga leaders – to beat them it’s a big win,” he said.
“For a European Cup second leg I think it was flat on both sides, no chances.”
“One team has to go in the lead, we had big chances with Bruno [Fernandes] at the start of the game.”
“One part of our game plan is that we can bring Antony and [Alejandro] Garnacho and open the wide areas you can get speed and running in behind and dribbles.”
“They are both so brave, they don’t fear anyone, they just take players on and I think that gives a boost to the whole team.”
Erik Ten Hag also hailed Fred by saying: “What he does really well is make the runs behind in the right moment, he has good timing.”
“He was really effective to make the runs tonight.”
“I think we have some great personalities in the team like Rafa [Varane] and [Lisandro] Martinez, they don’t fear anyone.”
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