Manchester United put in a memorable performance to win the derby 2-1 at the weekend, Erik ten Hag‘s first at Old Trafford.
There were terrific individual displays from the team Erik ten Hag selected, with the team’s big players stepping up when they were needed most.
Erik ten Hag hailed Bruno Fernandes as ‘really brilliant’, while the Portuguese midfielder picked out Luke Shaw for praise.
The winner was scored by Marcus Rashford after excellent work from substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
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Only two make BBC team of the week
Manchester United’s win was just one of 10 Premier League matches this weekend, and only two Red Devils players made the BBC’s team of the week.
Selected by Garth Crooks, defender Luke Shaw and forward Marcus Rashford were selected.
Crooks said of Shaw, who played at centre-back: “I said when Luke Shaw played in the centre-back role against Bournemouth recently that he was inspirational. Well, against Manchester City’s goalscoring phenomenon Erling Haaland, he was even better.
“Shaw’s recent displays for United must be an inspiration to youngsters all over the country who are desperate to play at centre-back but have been told they are not big enough.”
Alongside the imperious Raphael Varane, it was great to see Shaw shut Erling Haaland down. He was selected ahead of Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof, and justified Erik ten Hag’s bold call.
On in-form goalscorer Rashford, who has 16 strikes this season, Crooks largely bemoaned the officiating which led to United’s equaliser, but he did commend ‘Rashford’s presence of mind and quick wittedness’, to step out of Bruno Fernandes’ path.
United have two big away games upcoming against Crystal Palace, and then Arsenal. It remains to be seen if Ten Hag will stick with Shaw at centre-back again for this fixture, while Rashford’s place in the starting line-up is guaranteed.
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