Erik ten Hag “really happy with the performance” shown by Manchester United after twice coming from a goal down to secure their place in the next round of the cup.
After criticising his team’s attitude following Sunday’s loss, United boss Erik ten Hag praised his players “resilience and fight” in a hard-fought game against Aston Villa this evening.
The Dutchman said, “I am really happy with that resilience and that’s what we need to show every game. That’s why I was so disappointed at the performance on Sunday because we didn’t fight, we didn’t co-operate, we were sloppy. That cannot be.”
Ten Hag also said that although his team “are in the right direction there is still a long way to go” and that United “have to play at a higher intensity to compete with the top teams.”
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was equally pleased with his team’s performance tonight saying, “we competed very well, we were strong and feeling good on the pitch.”
Emery explained “our challenge is to be consistent and competitive,” but assured that after tonight’s game, “I have good things in my mind to improve.”
Villa will be looking to bounce back and record their first away win of the season against Brighton on Sunday.
