Coach Erik ten Hag praised the performance and influence of the duo Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho in the 2-0 win over Everton in round 28 of the Premier League.
"Rashford, Garnacho are almost unstoppable when there is space behind the defence," Ten Hag said after the match at Old Trafford on March 9. "Garnacho is progressing very well and we are very pleased. Garnacho made an important contribution in this match with his runs, dribbling. Garnacho gave us space to get into Everton's penalty area. Rashford as well, when he is in those positions, it is very difficult to stop."
After two consecutive defeats, Man Utd settled this match thanks to two penalties in the first half. In the 12th minute, Garnacho turned the ball to the left of the penalty area and was kicked by James Tarkowski. On the 11m mark, captain Bruno Fernandes shot to the bottom right corner to open the score. 20 minutes later, Garnacho continued to earn a penalty when central defender Ben Godfrey stepped on his foot. This time, it was striker Marcus Rashford's turn to kick the penalty to the left corner, doubling the gap for Man Utd.
Ten Hag applauds the audience after the 2-0 win over Everton in the 28th round of the Premier League at Old Trafford on March 9. Photo: AFP
Although he did not score, Garnacho became the first Man Utd player to win two penalties in a Premier League match. This was also the first time the "Red Devils" had two players take 11m in the first half of a Premier League match.
"I like working with Garnacho and many other players in the team to challenge them. Garnacho needs challenges and likes them," Ten Hag praised the Argentine striker. "Our job is to push Garnacho to higher levels. Garnacho has great potential, we have to exploit that potential and therefore you have to work every day."
Granacho (red) disputes with Everton player. Photo: Reuters
Everton played well in this match, even shooting 23 times but failing to score. In away matches in the Premier League since 2003-2004, they only had worse statistics with 24 shots without scoring in the match against Wolves in March 2010.
Ten Hag does not think the above statistics show that Man Utd's defense played poorly, insisting that Everton did not create many clear-cut chances. "Everton shot a lot, but Man Utd defended well and were disciplined," the Dutch coach said. "Everton had low-quality chances and left gaps behind for us to exploit. We are satisfied with the performance this time."
According to Ten Hag, Man Utd are playing consistently in 2024 and only had one poor performance in the 1-2 loss to Fulham last round. The 54-year-old coach wants the "Red Devils" to continue their winning streak to put pressure on the clubs above them, compete for a Champions League spot and look forward to the FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool on March 17.
Hong Duy
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