Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he is pleased with his team’s performance in the goalless Premier League draw at Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, Afrosport reports.
Very little separated both teams at Villa Park but it was better defensive showing from the Red Devils who had conceded six goals in the previous two competitive games against Tottenham Hotspur and FC Porto.
It was United’s fourth clean sheet of the season in the league which Ten Hag attributed to playing better as a unit.
“I think the performance of United was very good. Defending and in possession we controlled the game,” the Dutch tactician told the club website.
“I think it’s the fourth clean sheet this season. You see we had a very good organisation and togetherness. There was good character and good spirit as a team. Determined, resilient.”
He added: “We almost didn’t concede a chance. When you defend like this and get some luck… in the end they had a big chance, but it was almost the only chance, I think.
“We created some chances, [but] also not so many chances. We hit the crossbar and also Rashford had chances. But the two teams were really balanced. We have come through two very tough away games. This is a team; we showed the belief and faith we have.”
Erik reflects on a point at Villa Park and looks ahead to the international break 💬#MUFC || #PL
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Ten Hag however admitted that there is still a lot to be done in attack as the team have scored just five goals in the top flight and have failed to net in their last three games.
“In Porto, our build-up was brilliant. [We were] so good in the first 25 minutes; we outplayed Porto,” he stated.
“Also [Crystal] Palace, in possession we were so good, [so] we have had games this season where we are good. But [against Villa] we didn’t create too many chances, but also we played a great team.
“We created loads of chances in our seven games but we have to step up. We have to take into consideration [Rasmus] Hojlund is returning, he’s still coming up to full fitness. But others are stepping up.
“I was impressed from [Marcus] Rashford, also [Alejandro] Garnacho is so good, and Antony at the end.”
United players will head for the two-week international break before resuming at home against Brentford.
