Erik ten Hag has praised Manchester United‘s togetherness and the progression of some young players following Sunday’s 3-0 home win over West Ham United in the Premier League.
Rasmus Hojlund marked his 21st birthday with a superb opening goal in the 23rd minute before man-of-the-match Alejandro Garnacho netted a second-half brace to inspire the Red Devils to their biggest victory at Old Trafford of the season.
Kobbie Mainoo also impressed for the hosts in centre-midfield and Ten Hag was particularly pleased to see the trio seamlessly slotting into his first-team plans.
Speaking at a post-match press conference, Ten Hag said: “We now have a team. Where there is balance on the pitch, we can play better. The progress is coming, we bought players in the summer for the future. We have also made choices to give players who deserved it to be given opportunities in the first team, such as Garnacho and Mainoo.
“When you get bad injuries, you have to adapt. Hojlund had a period (on the sidelines with an injury), but you can see he is progressing, and when there is a consistent team, back in their routines, it will serve [the players] better.
“We have a frontline with balance and I think it’s a threat for every opponent. You see they guys, they enjoy playing football, they enjoy giving opponents problems, they want to do it with togetherness.”
“I liked the three youngsters (Garnacho, Hojlund and Mainoo) celebrating together,” Ten Hag added. “It’s not about one player, it is about a team, that is what I have seen today. 11 defending, 11 attacking and for me (our performance) was enjoyable to watch.”
Ten Hag is “convinced” that his players can perform at the highest level and put together a strong run of form if they continue to show their togetherness and possess the right mentality.
“They, of course, need games, they need experience, and the only way you can get this is to play in that first team… to adapt,” said the Red Devils boss.
“When they have the right attitude and they keep doing this, [show the] togetherness and attitude to improve every day, then I’m convinced they can achieve very high levels.”
