We are back!' - Erik ten Hag in defiant mood after Man Utd beat Everton as he insists battle for Champions League is not over

Posted Sunday, March 10, 2024 by Goal.com

Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United are still in the fight for Champions League qualification after beating Everton on Saturday.

WHAT HAPPENED?
United beat the Toffees thanks to first-half penalties from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. It was far from a fluid performance but the victory saw United close the gap with Aston Villa in fourth place to eight points. They also move within three points of fifth-placed Tottenham, albeit having played once more than Unai Emery's side and twice more than Spurs. The top four will automatically qualify for next season's expanded Champions League but fifth place might also be enough.

WHAT TEN HAG SAID
The United manager told TNT Sports: "It was important. We had to put this right and keep the pressure on the teams above us. There are many games to play. Now we are back. We will keep pressure on them and see what happens."

THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ten Hag also praised Alejandro Garnacho, who earned both penalties for United and is turning into one of the team's most influential attackers. "He's progressing very well and we are very pleased with this. His contribution today was huge, his runs, his dribbles. It's attractive as well for the audience, obviously we want to show something. I think well-deserved penalties," the manager added.

DID YOU KNOW?
Everton had 23 shots on goal during the game, the second most amount of shots any side has had in the Premier League without scoring. United have now faced 20 or more shots in five of their past six Premier League games. Only Sheffield United have faced more across the season.

WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?
United have 10 more games to try and bridge the gap between Villa and Tottenham. They will be in FA Cup action next week, facing arch rivals Liverpool in a quarter-final tie at Old Trafford.