Erik ten Hag believes that Manchester United’s consistency will be strengthened by the return of important players as they prepare to build on their thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
It appeared as though United would go five games without a victory as Villa scored two goals in as many first-half minutes thanks to an unmarked Leander Dendoncker strike and an uncontested free kick by John McGinn.
But two days after Jim Ratcliffe’s impending investment in the Red Devils was revealed, United mounted an incredible comeback, with goals from Alejandro Garnacho twice and Rasmus Hojlund’s eagerly anticipated first Premier League goal to seal the victory. This propelled the team into sixth place.
Only United’s second victory in seven games in December came against Villa, but boss Ten Hag has been missing players like Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof, who are all expected back in January.
“So often we have to change the team,” said Dutch boss Ten Hag. “You don’t get the routines. We know football is about solid performance and consistency and we know we have to make a step there, but I’m sure when we have more players available in the key positions we will get more consistency.”
Marcus Rashford made his first United start since December 2, with the England forward having initially lost his place to Garnacho before illness delayed his return.
“I think he played very well,” Ten Hag said of Rashford. “He was ill and also he had one or two games where we preferred to play Garnacho on the left side but he deserved it. There is internal competition.
“(On Tuesday) we played Alejandro on the right, that can be a solution, it can be fluid, but Rashford can also play on the right side.”
Villa were all set to end the game level on points with leaders Liverpool before United’s second-half fightback, with manager Unai Emery urging the Birmingham club to put the result behind them.
“Move on, be demanding,” he said. “I told the players that the first part of the season was fantastic but I want more. If they want more we have to work hard to get it.
“My mentality now is to focus on Saturday (at home to Burnley) and prepare the match as well as possible. We want to be better tomorrow than today.”