Man Utd star leaks next step of Ten Hag plan, with Everton win providing glimpse of statistic they plan to dominate
Victor Lindelof detailed the next stage of evolution in Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd after showing glimpses of what their future opponents can expect against Everton.
A trip to Goodison Park would ordinarily not be treated with fear by Man Utd. However, entering Sunday night’s contest on Merseyside, a positive result was far from assured for the Red Devils.
Indeed, United had lost 6-3 last time out in the Manchester derby. Everton, meanwhile, had quietly begun the campaign in fine fashion.
They carried a six-match unbeaten streak into the contest with that run thanks in large part to their newfound defensive resilience.
The seven goals they’d conceded prior to Sunday evening was the league’s lowest. Summer recruits Conor Coady and James Tarkowski have played a major part in that remarkable turnaround.
However, after going one nil down after just five minutes, Manchester United quickly found their feet and hit back soon after.
Antony notched his third league goal in three appearances before Cristiano Ronaldo bagged his 700th goal in club football on the stroke of half time.
Marcus Rashford looked to have put the game to bed late on, though controversially saw his effort ruled out through handball.
Speaking to MUTV after the match, Victor Lindelof hailed the character his side showed – especially on the back of a long trip back from Cyprus following their Europa League exploits on Thursday night.
Thursday-Sunday turnaround can’t halt Man Utd
“Always a tough place to come to, they had a good start and we showed great character to get back into the game,” said Lindelof (via the MEN)
“Especially in the first half, we played some very good football. They made it tough for us in the second half.
“But I think we showed great character to get the three points. To have a tough game in Europe and come here, and get the three points, is massive for us.
“It was hard [last 15 minutes], they have some good players and they are a big threat from corners. We concentrated and managed to see it through.”
Ten Hag wants to dominate key statistic
Lindelof got the nod to start alongside Martinez with Raphael Varane only fit enough for a place on the bench. Harry Maguire remained sidelined following an injury sustained with England on international duty.
United registered 60 percent possession in the contest and showed bravery when attempting to retain possession under heavy pressure in tight areas.
The Sweden international claimed that’s part of Ten Hag’s overarching plan for the club, with United aiming to dominate the possession stakes from here on out.
“We want to keep the ball,” added Lindelof. “[We] want to play football and dominate games with the ball.
“We showed that a few times in the first half, but we could have kept it more in the second half.
“Everton played well and put some pressure on us – sometimes it’s about getting the three points.”
Finally, Lindelof offered his congratulations to Ronaldo for another landmark moment in his storied career.
His cool left-footed strike inside Jordan Pickford’s near post was his 700th in club football. 144 of them have come for Manchester United.
“I’m very happy for him [Ronaldo], his numbers speak for themselves,” added Lindelof.
“To come in, to perform and score goals at his age is just remarkable. A fantastic football player.”
