Alejandro Garnacho goal gives Erik ten Hag relief after a tough run of games
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the Everton game, paying special praise to teenage forward Alejandro Garnacho for his wonder goal.
Man United are one of the most improved sides in the league in terms of results. However, the team has failed to really convince on the pitch making their run look like a fluke.
They had the opportunity to redeem their image at Goodison Park against Everton and they took it fully, running out with three points, another clean sheet and three goals to help their goal difference.
The best moment of the night was the goal scored by Argentine forward Garnacho. After some fine midfield work by Scott McTominay, the ball made its way to Marcus Rashford on the right thanks to a brilliant deceptive run by fullback Diogo Dalot. Dalot would then free himself to receive a pass from Rashford which he redirected first time into the box with a great cross. Garnacho pulled a rabbit out of his hat with an incredible bicycle kick from 18 yards out which beat Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal and nestled in the top corner.
The away section went wild and the goal motivated Man United to take the game to Everton, which they did after slipping back into old habits for most of the first half.
Erik ten Hag, speaking after the game, praised Garnacho for his goal and expressed relief at watching his team finally dominate a game.
“The season is still long but it is probably the Goal of the Season,” said ten Hag, who watched the game from the stands due to a pitchside suspension. “It was not only that finish, but also the build up was very good with the switch [of play]. We talked about being brave, being dynamic, being proactive. But the finish is fantastic.
“After that start of the game, we were too easy going, too comfortable and I criticised the team at half-time because they were thinking we are already there. You can't do it. The game is 95 minutes, longer even. I think there were two times of six minutes injury. So you have to bring it in 100 minutes on the pitch, show initiative in and out of possession, everyone. And in the second half, they did very well and then we had the highest score this season.”
Manchester United will now turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League where they will take on Galatasaray in a bid to save their European season.
Currently last in Group A, two more wins can take them into second place. The first of those wins has to come in midweek against the Turkish side as a loss or a draw will officially condemn them to last place and an early exit from Europe.