Plotting to capitalize on Tuesday’s riveting 3-2 turnaround against Aston Villa, Erik ten Hag asserts that the restored presence of key players will fortify Manchester United’s consistency in their strategic endeavors at Old Trafford.
A five-game victory drought threatened Manchester United, exposing glaring defensive weaknesses that saw Villa capitalize with a swift 2-0 lead in just six first-half minutes, fueled by John McGinn’s unopposed free-kick and an unchecked strike from Leander Dendoncker.
United, however, scripted an inspiring second-half resurgence, highlighted by Alejandro Garnacho’s brace and Rasmus Hojlund’s debut Premier League goal, securing a triumph that propelled the club to sixth place. This uplifting victory coincided with the announcement of Jim Ratcliffe’s forthcoming investment in the Red Devils, adding to the positive narrative.
United’s win against Villa constituted only their second victory in seven December fixtures. Manager Ten Hag, grappling with the absence of influential players including Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Tyrell Malacia, anticipates their return in January, joined by Victor Lindelof.
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‘So often we have to change the team,’ said Dutch boss Ten Hag. ‘You don’t get the routines. We know football is about solid performance and consistency and we know we have to make a step there, but I’m sure when we have more players available in the key positions we will get more consistency.’
United’s starting lineup saw the return of Marcus Rashford, making his first appearance since December 2 after temporarily conceding his spot to Garnacho due to illness.
‘I think he played very well,’ Ten Hag said of Rashford. ‘He was ill and also he had one or two games where we preferred to play Garnacho on the left side but he deserved it. There is internal competition.’
‘(On Tuesday) we played Alejandro on the right, that can be a solution, it can be fluid, but Rashford can also play on the right side.’
Villa’s aspirations of finishing the game on equal footing with league leaders Liverpool were dashed by United’s second-half comeback. Manager Unai Emery advises the Birmingham club to look forward and leave the result behind them.
‘Move on, be demanding,’ he said. ‘I told the players that the first part of the season was fantastic but I want more. If they want more we have to work hard to get it.’
‘My mentality now is to focus on Saturday (at home to Burnley) and prepare the match as well as possible. We want to be better tomorrow than today.’