Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag gave his reaction to his side’s 3-1 win over Everton in the FA Cup.
United secured their passage into the fourth round through a goal from Antony, an own goal from Conor Coady and and a late penalty that was successfully converted by Marcus Rashford.
Progress in the #FACup = secured! ✔️🔴#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 6, 2023
Speaking to various broadcasters after the game, the United manager said that the real winners of the game were the crowd as they got their money’s worth with an exciting cup tie as both sides went for it.
“It was really competitive, both teams challenged each other, it was a good tempo. I think the audience is the big winner of this cup game. It was exciting to watch. A lot of tempo, a lot of opportunities for both sides and I am happy that we won this game, I think it was also justified. I think their (Everton’s) performance was really good. They played really brave, on the front foot, go forward, and that is why I think the audience got the perfect game. It was a good show. It was entertaining. And once again we are happy we won, but I think the performance from Everton was good as well” [via Man Utd].
Ten Hag also spoke about Antony, who returned to the starting line-up having missed the game against Bournemouth due to injury and he got himself on the scoresheet within the first five minutes to put United 1-0 up and the Dutchman thought it was “a great goal”.
Magic ✨
🇧🇷 @Antony00#MUFC || #FACup pic.twitter.com/YzEIfdf21T
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 7, 2023
“I think it was a great goal, but of course great action from Marcus Rashford on the left side, we don’t often reward the movement from players. Also with Anthony Martial today, a lot of good movements, he makes space for other players on the pitch and that was also [the case] with the movement of Antony. With the first goal he was in the right spot, but it was great movement to be there” [via Man Utd].
United’s next fixture is a Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night at Old Trafford, with the Reds looking to book their place in the last four of the EFL Cup and ten Hag will be hoping for a much better showing against Charlton because at times United were not at it, but sometimes you do have to win ugly, which is a great sign as you will not be brilliant every game.