Manchester United 3-0 Bournemouth: Erik ten Hag has seen enough room for improvement after Manchester United’s fourth consecutive victory in the Premier League. In the second half against AFC Bournemouth it became clear to the manager what the next point for improvement is for his team.
Ten Hag thought that United simply played too rough with a lead. As a result, the spaces became unnecessarily large and forces were thrown at a period of the season that is already tough. “We didn’t play smart in the second half,” the coach was critical, shortly after the 3-0 win. “We allowed something and that was unnecessary. The team fell into two blocks and that should not happen. They gave away a lot of space in the second half. Then it is challenging to go. If you are a little smarter, you can also recognize when you really have to go for it. That’s the next step: playing a little smarter as a team,” the manager added.
The fact that playing smarter with a head start is a point for improvement is a sign of luxury. United already rumbled into the top four just before the turn of the year and considerably increased the pressure on number three Newcastle United on Tuesday evening. In the following league games, the superpower can underline its progress under Ten Hag. On January 14, Manchester City is the opponent at Old Trafford, then an away match against Arsenal awaits on January 22. Ten Hag focuses first of all on Friday’s FA Cup match against Everton: ‘The next one is the most important. Everton drew 1-1 at City last weekend, which shows how they can adjust to opponents.
Donny van de Beek and Antony injury update
It seems unlikely that Donny van de Beek will play against Everton. The 25-year-old midfielder was allowed to start in the Premier League against Bournemouth for the second time this season, but fell out just before half-time with an apparently serious knee injury. Ten Hag does not yet know the extent of the damage: “No, we will have to wait and see. You will only be able to determine that properly in at least 24 hours.”
Ten Hag was optimistic about the recovery of Antony, who was missing against Bournemouth due to a minor injury. The right winger is expected to return to the training field on Wednesday. “I think he will rejoin soon,” said the manager, in whose wake Antony came to Old Trafford last summer.
