Ten Hag explains ‘only criticism’ after Man Utd beat Bournemouth

Bournemouth V Manchester United: Pictures

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has spoken out after his side’s 1-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday. The Red Devils claimed victory at the Vitality Stadium with Casemiro scoring the only goal of the game. And the result means they’re on the verge of qualifying for next season’s Champions League following their absence from the competition this season.

United had to dig deep to beat Bournemouth.

But they did exactly that, with Casemiro’s acrobatic effort in the ninth minute enough to secure all three points for the visitors.

The Red Devils were, however, unable to add to their tally. And David De Gea was key in keeping Bournemouth at bay, with the Spain international making two vital saves.

Now, speaking after the game, Ten Hag has criticised his side’s failure to widen the gap over their opponents.

However, he was also happy to praise De Gea – defending the 32-year-old and saying he’s happy with the veteran’s response following his blunder against West Ham earlier in the month.

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“The only criticism is we didn’t kill off the game,” said the 53-year-old.

“We had to produce that second goal but that’s the way this team are. It is not easy scoring goals.

“It was a great goal from Casemiro. We pinned them back, didn’t let them breathe in the first 25 minutes.

“David de Gea made a mistake a few weeks ago but everyone can make mistakes.

“We defend with 11, that’s why we have so many clean sheets. David made some great saves.”

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He continued: “Bournemouth were already safe and a good opponent but we started well and created a lot of chances, I am really happy with the performance.

“It was a fantastic goal from Casemiro, a brilliant finish. I was nervous at 1-0 because you can easily make a mistake and concede a goal. We had to win the game.

“We are nearly there – in the top four – but we are not there. We need a win.”

Ten Hag was speaking after Liverpool dropped points against Aston Villa, with Jurgen Klopp’s side slipping to a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

The result means United are just a point away from sealing their place in the top four.

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Ten Hag, however, was in no mood to discuss the Red Devils’ fiercest rivals and insisted he was only focusing on his side and their displays.

”I don’t care what happens in Liverpool, it’s about us. We have to do the job,” he stated. 

Ten Hag then proceeded to reveal after the win that he’s confident Marcus Rashford will be available for United’s clash with Chelsea on Thursday night.

And United will be hoping to seal their place in the top four with victory at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season.

And a repeat of that result would settle the Champions League fate once and for all.

United are then due to lock horns with Fulham on the final day of the campaign next Sunday.

They’ve already beaten the Cottagers twice this season, beating Marco Silva’s side 2-1 at Craven Cottage before inflicting a 3-1 defeat over the west London side in the FA Cup back in March.

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