Erik ten Hag praises Matthijs de Ligt for turning the game around in 3-0 win over Southampton | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hailed Matthijs de Ligt for his role in turning the game around as the team cruised to a 3-0 win over Southampton.

United didn’t start well as Southampton dominated for the opening 30 minutes. However, an Andre Onana penalty save sparked the Reds into life and it was mostly smooth sailing from there.

In the 35th minute, De Ligt headed in a stunning cross from Bruno Fernandes to give his side the lead. Marcus Rashford then doubled United’s lead just before the break.

Alejandro Garnacho came on from the bench and grabbed United’s third in the dying embers of the match, to ensure United clinched all three points.

Beyond his goal, De Ligt was brilliant defensively and was a worthy man of the match. His contributions weren’t lost on Ten Hag, who praised him in his post-match comments.

The United boss told TNT Sports, “After Andre stopped the penalty and then the goal by Mata [Matthijs de Ligt], the game was all ours.”

He added about De Ligt, “It’s the routine [having a good performance after criticism during the international break]. We always have to play well and when you come back to your club you have to pick it up.”

“We know we signed a very good player with a lot of attributes and one of them is that he’s a threat in set-plays. I’m happy that he scored that goal, very good cross from Bruno, so well done.”

Ten Hag said about Rashford and what the goal will do for his confidence, “It’s very important. It’s so huge him, for every striker, they want to be on the scoring list. So now he has his first and I’m sure more will come.”

The Dutch coach revealed that United have multiple chances to even score more goals.

On Manuel Ugarte’s club debut, Ten Hag remarked, “He showed straight what he brings to the team: some control in the midfield, good interceptions, he can be very aggressive but also very composed, keeping the ball going and linking the back and forwards.”

“I think first impressions were very good.”

Up next for United is Barnsley on Tuesday, in the third round of the EFL Cup.

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