After losing to Liverpool in midweek, Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, praised his team’s “nearly flawless” defence for their 0-0 draw against them in the Premier League on Sunday.
On a night when many supporters and commentators anticipated even more suffering for United, it instead put an end to Liverpool’s dazzling 11-game winning streak at Anfield in all competitions and prevented its rival from taking back the top place in the standings.
Ten Hag remarked, “We almost had the perfect defence.” “There was always a teammate to help us fix our mistakes when they happened. That, in my opinion, is today’s major victory: you have to always stand up for one another. At Manchester United, we’re constantly opposed taking a break.
The beleaguered Dutch manager will feel some comfort from the draw after recent allegations of discontent in the dressing room cast doubt on his job security.
When asked if the fight they shown at Anfield demonstrated that, Ten Hag, who has stated time and time again that his players support him, restated that belief on Sunday.
“I informed you,” he said.
Some Liverpool supporters wore “7-0” Christmas sweaters to Sunday’s game in remembrance of the team’s 7-0 thrashing at Anfield last season, as well as United’s 3-0 league loss to Bournemouth at home last week. Thus, it was not shocking that a large number of United supporters hailed the draw as a triumph.
Former United defender Gary Neville commented on Sky Sports, “Today there was no doubt the clouds were circling and there was no Manchester United fan, including myself, that thought United would come out of here alive.”
Congratulations to them for putting up a little resistance. Gaining a point and keeping a clean sheet is an unforeseen outcome.
“I’m shocked there was a draw. “I didn’t think Manchester United was capable of keeping a clean sheet,” he said. “I didn’t think they were capable of such a defensive display.”
Roy Keane, a fellow former United player, stated that Ten Hag’s team would be happy to draw and drop to seventh position.
Keane stated on Sky Sports, “Liverpool were by far the better team, but they were off it in the final third.” “It’s a start (for United), but the issues remain; there is a lack of authority and direction.”
Ten Hag commended goalkeeper Andre Onana, defenders Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans, and the defence for holding firm against Liverpool’s 34 shots to United’s 6.
“(Varane) led the squad from the back with great success in his relationship with Jonny Evans. “I believe Andre Onana had a significant role in it,” he remarked. “But since it was such a disciplined team, I can name every player.”
Ten Hag went on, “Now they have to demonstrate that spirit every day.”
The Dutchman remarked, “You have to fight always for the badge.” We occasionally play in extremely low lows as well as extremely high highs. We need consistency because there are boundaries that you can’t go below if you want to accomplish something in a season.