After the 2-1 win over Luton, here’s what Ten Hag said about his players

Ten Hag’s Full Assessment of Manchester United’s Performance and Players After the 2-1 Victory Over Luton Town

Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag shared his thoughts on the team’s performance and key players following their hard-fought 2-1 win against Luton Town in the Premier League.

Mixed Feelings Despite Victory

Despite securing the win, Ten Hag acknowledged the team’s missed opportunities to extend their lead and expressed concern over Luke Shaw’s injury, highlighting the need for further assessment.

“It wasn’t a stunt. I can’t say. We’ll have to wait until at least tomorrow to see what happens. It’s clear that when you go out, it’s not ood.“

Praise for Casemiro’s Impact

Ten Hag praised Casemiro’s influence on the team since his return, emphasizing his role in bringing calmness and organization to the squad, thus elevating their performance.

“He brings so much to the team: calm, organization. We are very happy. Since his return, the team has moved up a level.“

Recognition of Rasmus Hojlund’s Contribution

The manager commended Rasmus Hojlund’s resilience and composure, particularly in pressure situations, underscoring his ability to perform and improve consistently.

“We are very happy with our recruitment. He can perform under stress when things are against him. He is resilient. He has kept his composure. He is improving in many areas, such as conservation of the ball.“

Reflecting on Missed Chances

Ten Hag lamented the team’s failure to convert numerous scoring opportunities, suggesting that they could have easily scored more goals in the match.

“Today we could have scored five goals, easy.”

Optimism for Kobbie Mainoo’s Development

Ten Hag expressed optimism regarding Kobbie Mainoo’s maturity and progression, highlighting his promising development from game to game.

“Kobbie was very mature, and I think he is progressing from game to game. Hopefully, the process will keep going on.”

Reassessing the Top 4 Ambitions

Despite setbacks, Ten Hag reiterated the team’s determination to compete for a top-four finish, emphasizing the importance of building momentum and putting pressure on rivals.

“I think we are back in the race, and we are building momentum. We need to put pressure on. Every game is a final to get closer to them.“

Appraisal of Defensive Decisions

The manager defended the decision to substitute Casemiro and Harry Maguire at halftime, citing the need to avoid potential red cards and mitigate risks.

Confidence in Hojlund’s Goal-Scoring Abilities

Ten Hag reiterated his confidence in Rasmus Hojlund’s goal-scoring capabilities, emphasizing the striker’s character and resilience in front of goal.

“We signed him for his character. He can perform under pressure, and that’s something we need for a Manchester United goalscorer. He’s not nervous and doesn’t lose confidence in him. I’m sure he’ll score even more.“

“First game he came in against Arsenal, a 100% penalty that he didn’t get, then against Brighton he scored but didn’t get it. It would’ve helped, but now he has a lot of confidence, and I’m sure he will score more.“

Lessons in Focus and Concentration

Reflecting on the match, Ten Hag emphasized the importance of maintaining focus throughout the game, acknowledging that lapses in concentration could lead to conceding goals.

“We must maintain complete focus at all times. Do your job together, in and out of possession, and then you can control your games. What could have been an easy win is now a difficult win.”

“We make progress, but you see, we have to stay focused during the whole game. I will not say switch off, but when you do a little bit less, then you get punished. We can’t afford this.”

Acknowledgment of Missed Opportunities

Despite controlling the game initially, Ten Hag highlighted the team’s failure to capitalize on clear-cut chances, stressing the need for clinical finishing in crucial moments.

“Their goal brought the pressure on. They had crosses into the box and shots, but not the chances we had. We had big chances, and with our abilities, we should have scored. It can always happen, a cross or a corner; you can concede if you don’t execute the 3-1.”

Erik ten Hag on Casemiro and Harry Maguire’s exit at the break: “I saw the referee’s reaction and thought they might be sent off. With Scott McTominay and Evans, we have good substitutes. We shouldn’t take a risk. I thought it was the right decision.“

Room for Improvement in Defensive Discipline

Ten Hag identified areas for improvement, particularly in defensive discipline and maintaining a high defensive line to prevent opponents from gaining momentum.

“We gave some chances away, and they got the 2-1. That’s no good. But after half-time, we picked it up. We had several chances. So many one-on-one opportunities. I think it was Garnacho, Rashford again; it was Bruno Fernandes. We had so many chances; it should be 3-1 in these moments.”

“I think quick up and, as you say, we had good chances with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford; it could have been three or four-nil.“

“After that, we lose some focus, and we are not so strict in what we should do, and they came more into the game. We dropped too deep and allowed them too many passes.”

Ten Hag’s reflections underscore the team’s mixed performance against Luton Town, highlighting both positives and areas for improvement as Manchester United strives for consistency and success in upcoming fixtures.