Five things Ten Hag got right as Ronaldo’s 700th goal helps Man Utd to win

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    Erik ten Hag would have enjoyed Manchester United's win over Everton on Sunday night – largely because of how they reacted to going a goal down. Alex Iwobi netted a screamer after 10 minutes but it did little to change the flow with the Red Devils dominating after.

    Antony netted just five minutes later with a fine finish before Cristiano Ronaldo, on as a sub for the injured Anthony Martial, netted his 700th club goal. The Toffees had no reply, looking listless throughout the contest, and United should have won by more, in truth.

    But where did Ten Hag get it right at Goodison Park this Sunday?

    READ MORE: Wayne Rooney tells Cristiano Ronaldo 'time catches up with us all' in Man Utd message

    Ten Hag's fingerprints

    When a team know what they are doing – going a goal down does not knock their confidence and that is exactly what happened on Sunday evening against Everton. Iwobi's opener would have rocked United a few years ago but this side knew exactly what to do afterwards.

    They did not panic and they looked assured, fully confident that they would correct the scoreline – and they did. Antony and Ronaldo getting on the scoresheet will only add continue the good vibes at Old Trafford recently.

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    Full-backs getting high

    One notable change under Ten Hag has been the utilisation of full-backs, high up the pitch to allow the wingers to narrow in and get closer to goal. That was evident against Everton, though, Luke Shaw would have hoped to get up the pitch more to cause menace.

    Diogo Dalot did try to get up the pitch and had some brilliant touches going forward. His blossoming relationship with Antony is certainly something that the Red Devils coach will be keen on garnering further.

    Slick passing

    Chrstian Eriksen got a lot of flak for his performance against Manchester City but was at his best at times against Everton with his passing. Partnering Bruno Fernandes in midfield, the two give United plenty of attacking options with their creativity.

    This is the Ten Hag way – bundles of possession and incisive passing that can leave opponents chasing shadows for the 90 minutes. Indeed, the overload in midfield was too much for Everton to cope with.

    Casemiro atones

    It was Casemiro's error that saw Everton score first through an Iwobi rocket but he made up for his error just before half-time. It was his tackle on the Toffees goalscorer before a defence-unlocking pass that allowed Ronaldo to score his 700th professional goal.

    And it was not less than what United deserved after a dominating half where the Red Devils could have been four up. After Everton scored, they completely lost control and United just need to be more clinical.

    Ronaldo back in business?

    It is safe to say that this is not the season that Ronaldo had in mind – sitting on the bench for the club he tried desperately to leave in the summer. But whether he likes it or not, the Portuguese icon has a major role to play under Ten Hag – who started him on the bench before injury forced his hand.

    Whether the 37-year-old would have stayed on the sidelines if Martial remained fit is a question that cannot be answered. But a goalscoring Ronaldo can only be good news for all parties and his prowess in front of goal cannot be sniffed at.

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    • Manchester United FC
    • Erik ten Hag
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • Premier League

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