Erik ten Hag praises three Manchester United players after win v Chelsea, including one substitute

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has given a happy verdict on the team’s performance against Chelsea.

What a difference a victory makes. While the media were no doubt hoping for a Manchester United loss, Erik ten Hag‘s side played together to secure a hugely important 2-1 victory.

It will of course mean nothing if United slip to a home defeat against Bournemouth this weekend. For now, let’s savour the three points.

Erik ten Hag was in good spirits after the victory, and praised his players, picking three in particular out for positive words.

Ten Hag on Scott McTominay

Erik ten Hag of course spoke highly about double goalscorer and matchwinner Scott McTominay, and his partnership with Sofyan Amrabat, believing they worked well together.

He told club media that it was a deliberate tactic to play McTominay as high in midfield as possible: “I think they played very strong, very dynamic, very proactive, in and out of possession. They won a lot of duels together. Scott came in the right positions and scored two great goals.

“We want him to play a little bit higher on the pitch. We want to reach him there. He has to make his runs in behind as he is strong on that. He has a good smell to come in the right moment in front of the goal. He is a very good finisher.”

Ten Hag on Sofyan Amrabat

Specifically on Morocco midfielder Amrabat, Ten Hag said he was pleased with the on loan Fiorentina ace’s performance, a big step in the right direction, amid a so far inconsistent season.

I think Sofyan is settling in. He is progressing and you see he is getting more comfortable. Already last week, against Galatasaray, he was playing well. Tonight, he played well also.”

Ten Hag on Sergio Reguilon

There was also praise for another loanee, Sergio Reguilon, who came on for Victor Lindelof at half-time, with Luke Shaw switching to centre-back.

Ten Hag said he was pleased with the Tottenham loanee, commenting: “Sergio Reguilon came in, in the second half, and did very good. He gave good pressure over on the left side, good interceptions, but also in attacking, he had his contribution.”