FOOTBALL- Erik ten Hag says Manchester United’s Europa League victory over Barcelona shows they “can beat anyone.”
United added Barcelona to a list of statement wins this season that already includes Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester City with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford on Thursday.
According to ESPC, Ten Hag’s team is still in four competitions this season, and the Dutchman insists they won’t fear anyone they might face between now and May.
“You need results to get that strong belief,” Ten Hag said.
“I think this is another step because when you can beat Barcelona, one of the best teams at this moment in Europe, then your belief can be really strong then you are able to beat anyone.”
“It was a magnificent night,” he added. “I think it is brilliant when you can beat Barcelona, eight points ahead of Real Madrid in La Liga, and we have seen this week Real Madrid play. We did a magnificent performance and we have to take it with us in the season, take it with us in the belief that we can win big games.”
It was a fantastic second-half display on Thursday that was imbued with determination, and confidence and had a battling quality that was sorely lacking at United last season. Therefore, it was no surprise that Ten Hag praised the character of his players after the match.
“I think we have great personalities in this team, starting with David [de Gea], Rapha [Varane], Licha [Martinez], Casemiro, Bruno [Fernandes], such winning types. We have even more.
“Everyone has such a strong belief in this team and the fight in this team. You can see it with the subs, they are coming on and bringing energy and quality and a different dynamic in games. I think all the subs, not only in this game but in many games before, did brilliantly.”
