Erik ten Hag praises three “very good” Man United players after Aston Villa win

Erik ten Hag has sung the praises of three particular Manchester United players after their dramatic win against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

It seemed like another disappointing evening when Unai Emery’s side went 2-0 up in the first half, but three second-half goals clinched Erik ten Hag’s team a crucial win.

Alejandro Garnacho scored two excellent goals before Rasmus Hojlund opened his Premier League account in the perfect way – by scoring the winning goal in front of the Stretford End.

Ten Hag was full of praise for the two young United forwards and Marcus Rashford, who had an excellent game and assisted the opener before being replaced on 80 minutes.

The frontline have been criticised this season for their lack of goals, but the manager believes all three ‘invested’ in their runs against The Villians’ high line throughout the game as well as contributing to the goals.

Speaking on Garnacho’s role on the right wing, the Dutch coach believes it is a position he can play more regularly despite starting the majority of his games on the left side.

“I think we did it previously as well,” he stated. “He was almost more comfortable on the left but I think he can play on the right as well.

“Today, I think he was on the right side over 90 minutes absolutely a threat and scored twice.”

Garnacho was blasted for missing a great chance last time out when United lost against West Ham but was so much more clinical on Boxing Day.

“But I think the whole frontline played very good,” stressed Ten Hag. “They invested so much with their runs behind. The timing was so good, and it was consistently a threat for the opponent.”

Hojlund’s celebration told a thousand words when he secured United’s winning goal. Emotion was pouring out of the 20-year-old striker, and his manager is confident that he can now excel after breaking his goalscoring duck in the Premier League.

“I’m sure, now the first goal is in, he will score more,” he added.

“When strikers don’t score, it is a problem, but he has a strong character, he’s so resilient, so determined, he has a great personality, and that’s what a goalscorer needs. And when you keep investing, you will score.”