Erik ten Hag has revealed his delight at Manchester United’s 2-1 win over rivals Liverpool as it vindicated his belief that their squad can ‘play f***ing good football’.
The Red Devils have made a slow start under the Dutchman and were humiliated by Brighton and Brentford in their opening two games of the new Premier League season.
They went into Monday’s home clash with Liverpool widely expected to receive another drubbing, but put in a display full of heart and courage to beat their bitter foes, with goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford helping them to a memorable win.
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Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Ten Hag was enthusiastic about United’s hunger first and foremost rather than any tactical elements to their victory.
“We can talk about tactics, but it’s all about attitude. We can see that attitude on the pitch,” he began.
“There was communication, there was fighting spirit, and especially there was [teamwork] and you can see what they can achieve, because they can play fucking good football.”
He added: “I said to [the players] we have to act, not talk a lot. Make sure you are a team and battle and be brave. It’s not only about spirit out of possession.
“Sometimes strikers think they cannot do it because they have to save their energy for offensive actions.
“Nowadays it’s a demand and that is what you saw. It makes me happy Rashford and Sancho scored the goals.”
