Erik ten Hag has praised the character of his Manchester United side after they bounced back from Sunday’s 7-0 defeat by Liverpool to beat Real Betis 4-1.
Ten Hag’s side have one foot in the quarter-finals of the Europa League thanks to the comfortable first leg win but it was the reaction to Sunday’s thrashing which pleased the Dutchman the most.
Speaking to BT Sport, Ten Hag said: “I think we played a very good game in both halves. At half-time we should have been up 3-0 but we made one mistake and it is 1-1.
“We scored some good goals, we gave the fans something to support and they gave it back so we are very grateful.
“It was a great attitude, we were good on the ball, made good switches and runs in behind and created a lot of chances.
“It is always good to see how the team reacts after a setback. This is not the first time this season we can reset and bounce back. This team has character, so big compliment to the team.”
Marcus Rashford opened the scoring for United after just six minutes before Ayoze Perez, who is on loan at Real Betis from Leicester City, equalised after 32 minutes.
United moved through the gears in the second half with Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst all getting on the scoresheet.
Ten Hag singled out Weghorst and Fernandes for special praise after the full-time whistle.
“For a striker (Wout Weghorst) was so close so many times. He has already created chances and goals for others and he deserved his goal.
“Bruno (Fernandes) was fantastic. He led the team with his control of the game and passing and then he scored a goal.”
After the defeat to Liverpool, Fernandes again drew criticism from fans and pundits for how he acted during the game, leading to some suggestions that he should be stripped of the vice-captaincy.
But Ten Hag confirmed before the Real Betis match that Fernandes would remain as United’s vice-captain and thought the Portugal international was back to his best following his performance at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
“I think he was the best player on the pitch,” Ten Hag added. “It showed his personality, he played a little deeper role tonight and I think he was brilliant, making the game from the back in position, a lot of good passes in between the lines and from there we created a lot of chances.”
United return to Premier League action on Sunday when they host Southampton at Old Trafford.
They will then travel to Spain for the second leg against Real Betis before attention turns to their FA Cup quarter-final tie with Fulham on March 19.
