Ten Hag on Antony’s showboating, Ronaldo and Alejandro Garnacho after 3-0 win over Sheriff

By Xorkpe Sosu 5 Min Read

With a 3-0 victory over Sheriff on Thursday night, Manchester United made sure that they kept up their current upward trend under Erik ten Hag.

The home team earned all three points in the Europa League with goals from Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Red Devils had an easy night once Dalot got things started in the 44th minute.

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After the break, Rashford extended United’s lead in the 65th minute by directing in a precise Shaw cross.

Late in the game, Cristiano Ronaldo put gloss to his team’s triumph by scoring his third goal of the season.

The Red Devils had a successful evening. Just a few months after Dalot, Shaw, and Rashford’s recent displays, it is clear how much the Dutchman’s team has improved.

The outcome sets up a Group E clash at Real Sociedad the following Thursday; failure to unseat the Spanish league leaders will result in a knockout play-off against one of the Champions League elimination teams.

Erik ten Hag who deployed Ronaldo and Rashford as two top after the game expressed his appreciation for the duo’s performances and said he might employ them in a two-pronged approach.

“The second half, I wanted to see that, Cristiano and Marcus close together in the No 9 and 10 position and I think it can be a trap for opponents,” he admitted.

However, one of the big talking points following the victory over Sheriff was Antony’s first-half double spin technique, which numerous commentators dubbed “embarrassing” after the summer signing later put the ball out of play.

Ten Hag, who afterwards removed the Brazilian international at halftime, stated: “I don’t have a problem with that as long as it’s functional.”

Erik ten Hag's verdict on Antony's double spin skill

“Also from him I demand more – more runs behind, more often in the box, more followers in and more tempo dribbles, especially, and more playing in the pocket,” He added.

“So, we demand more dominance in this game and when there is a trick like that, it’s nice.”

“As long as it’s functional, if you’re not losing the ball and you’re attracting players, then it’s OK.”

“But if it’s a trick because of a trick, then I will correct him.”

Ten Hag on Ronaldo’s 701st club goal to wrap his teams victory:

“He kept going and the team kept going to put him in the right position, He said.”

Ten Hag on Ronaldo's 701st goal

“He kept going to get himself in the right position.”

“He didn’t give up. I think that is what his whole career (is about). That’s why he is so good. In the end, he gets the reward for it.”

The Dutchman was full of praise for the 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho:

Ten Hag's verdict on Alejandro Garnacho

“I think it was a good performance from him, He did what I expect him to do,” He said.

“First, he deserved the chance after the last weeks. The start was difficult for him in the season.”

“I was not happy with him but the last weeks I was happy with him – he got a better attitude, more resilience, more determination and what you see he is a talent.”

“To deal with the ball in tight areas, to run behind, and especially also his tempo dribbles, he can take players on and that’s a good capability in football nowadays, especially against opponents who are defending that compact like this opponent.”

“I’m happy with that. I hope for him it’s a stimulus, this first game, and that he knows ‘yeah, I have to do better to get into the team’, to create more but don’t forget the other things. You are playing in a team.”

Also read: Xavi-we-were-drawn-in-a-really-difficult-group-after-inter-sent-barca-to-europa-league/

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