Erik ten Hag takes Liverpool dig and hails five players after Barcelona win
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, made a veiled criticism of Liverpool and praised four of his players after his team’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
The Red Devils improved their prospects of achieving an unprecedented quadruple thanks to goals from Fred and Antony. Although Robert Lewandowski had given the La Liga giants the lead with a penalty, the game ultimately belonged to the home team.
Barcelona took the lead against Manchester United when Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty in the 18th minute after Bruno Fernandes fouled an opponent, beating goalkeeper David De Gea.
However, in the second half, the Red Devils managed to stage a comeback. Fred equalized for United, displaying exceptional courage and bravery in his midfield performance. Later on, Antony, another Brazilian player, scored the winning goal, leading to exuberant celebrations at Old Trafford.
Following the match, Erik ten Hag commended his team for their achievement, and he didn’t shy away from taking a dig at Liverpool, citing their 5-2 loss against Real Madrid earlier in the week. Additionally, he praised players such as Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho.
“I think so yes,” he said when asked if this was his biggest win since taking charge of the club back in the summer.
“Barcelona are the leader of La Liga – eight points ahead of Real Madrid. We have seen what Real Madrid did this week [against Liverpool[. I think it’s a big win yes that we beat them.
“Our game plan was Antony and Garnacho. You get over wide areas, speed, runs behind, dribbles.. you get belief. They are both so brave and fear no one.
“I think we have great personalities in the team. Rapha [Raphael Varane] and Licha [Lisandro] Martinez.
“I said already Antony and Garnacho fear no one. Bruno also, Casemiro of course. We have personalities that bounce back from set backs.”
United goalscorer Fred also spoke out after the game. He said: “Very good to hear my name from the fans but it was a good game we played today.
“We need to keep going we have a final on Sunday and now we have to change our mind to go to the final [against Newcastle].
“I said already Antony and Garnacho fear no one. Bruno also, Casemiro of course. We have personalities that bounce back from set backs.
“Very good to hear my name from the fans but it was a good game we played today. We need to keep going we have a final on Sunday and now we have to change our mind to go to the final [against Newcastle].
And Fernandes stated: “The belief of the team is always there and the belief of the fans is amazing. They pushed us through difficult moments for great comebacks.
“It is a great result but now we have a big game on Sunday. The fans have been with us in the toughest moments, this season we have been really good because they are always behind us but this is something different.
“You can feel between them and us there is something special, Old Trafford was bouncing that is why we got the result.
“When we got the goal right at the start of the second half we knew they were going to be right behind us.”
Erik ten Hag takes Liverpool dig and hails five players after Barcelona win
