Erik ten Hag hailed three Manchester United players after their 3-2 Premier League victory at home against Newcastle United on Wednesday night.
Following consecutive defeats without scoring against Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Kobbie Mainoo gave Manchester United the lead in the 31st minute when he calmly placed his strike into the bottom corner from roughly 10 yards out after being played onside by Magpies defender Kieran Trippier.
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Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon restored parity four minutes after halftime, but Amad Diallo’s rocket put the Red Devils back in lead, and replacement Rasmus Hojlund scored a third only three minutes later. Reported by Sky Sports.
Lewis Hall got one back for Newcastle in stoppage time to set up a nervy finish, but Ten Hag’s side held on for a potentially pivotal victory in the race to qualify for Europe.
Man United remains ninth in the Premier League rankings, but they have drawn level on points with Newcastle in seventh and know that if they beat the Magpies on the final day, they would qualify for next season’s Europa Conference League.
Ten Hag is “really pleased” with Amad’s progression.
After the game, Ten Hag praised Amad’s growth in training and on the pitch, and he was thrilled to see the “high potential” winger score his first Premier League goal.
“It was a brilliant goal by Amad,” Ten Hag stated in his postgame press conference. “You see how young players are developing, like Amad, and I was really pleased with his performance and it was a great goal.”
When asked if Amad had earned a place in Man United’s FA Cup final against Manchester City later this month, Ten Hag replied, “I believe every player is in contention.” Amad had a terrible season due to a worse injury, but he fought back.
“His performances in training and progression in training was very good to see. Now he got his chance and he has taken his opportunity and that is how it should work.
“There is always internal competition and I am very pleased with his level at this moment. It can be a foundation to improve more and go to higher levels.”
Ten Hag full of praise for Amrabat and Casemiro.
Ten Hag has also been impressed by Sofyan Amrabat, who was called upon defensively to make a couple of crucial blocks and challenges to keep Manchester United ahead of Newcastle.
“I think he was playing a very good game,” Ten Hag stated. “Very vital in pressing and counter-pressing; excellent job.
“Keeping the team together, keeping the team compact and good moments to press so we can control the game more.”
Meanwhile, the Dutchman was full of praise for Casemiro, who produced a series of vital blocks and clearances against the Magpies while returning to centre-back after previously being chastised for his recent performances.
“Casemiro was very stable, he showed leadership. We know how good he is and I’m sure he will take benefit from this,” said Ten Hag. “I think he had a very good game. He uses his experience and his calmness so I was very pleased with his performance today.”
Man United will look to end the season on a high and secure European football for next season when they travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday for their final league fixture of the campaign.
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