Erik ten Hag names four Manchester United players who created ‘really good chances’ v Aston Villa

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Erik ten Hag has praised Manchester United’s creative players after the narrow victory over Aston Villa.

United’s defence had a big role in the win, keeping a 15th Premier League clean sheet of the season. But the margin of victory should actually have been much higher.

United dominated particularly in the first half and should have gone in at half-time more than one goal up.

Erik ten Hag has praised the way United approached the game, and the resilience the team showed.

Ten Hag praises United’s creative players

Erik ten Hag spoke to club media after full time to commend his team’s performance.

He said: “It was impressive against a Villa side who hadn’t lost in 10 games and scored in every game. We were really good on the ball in the first half – magnificent

“We created some really good chances through Casemiro, [Marcus] Rashford, Fernandes and [Marcel] Sabitzer, and scored. And then, in the second half, you have to make it 2-0 and you don’t make it. And in the end it’s going to be tough but we saw again the determination of this team.”

Casemiro, Fernandes and Rashford created one chance each, while Marcel Sabizter created two.

Ten Hag did not mention Jadon Sancho, who actually created two chances, as did left-back Tyrell Malacia, and one from Christian Eriksen.

Ten Hag hails United’s defenders

United are working with a makeshift defensive partnership of Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof, amid injury issues.

Both players are performing well, highlighted by the clean sheet at Old Trafford in this tightly contested game, which saw Lindelof clear a late effort off the line.

Ten Hag is happy with the partnership the two are forging together, commenting: “Victor is playing brilliantly, in and out of possession, defending in control but then in building up also he’s composed, with good positioning.

“Shaw likes to play centre-half – he’s a full-back but he’s doing very well inside. You need co-operation because a back four with the midfield is always about communication, but they play very well together and we’re happy with that.”