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Erik ten Hag hailed Manchester United’s Europa League victory over Barcelona as “the biggest win” as the club’s manager, and praised the character of the players who came from behind.
After the first leg at the Nou Camp last week which saw the teams draw 2-2, Man Utd went behind early in the second leg following a Robert Lewandowski penalty.
But after Antony’s introduction at half-time, the hosts looked like they were switching sides. Fred equalized minutes after the break before Antony himself fired home the winner and sealed Man Utd’s place in the last 16 of the Europa League.
When asked if this was his biggest win as Man Utd manager, Ten Hag said BT Sports: “I think, yes. We’ve had good wins – Liverpool and Arsenal at home.
“I think it is, over two legs, against Barcelona – leaders in LaLiga, eight points ahead of Real Madrid. We have all seen Real Madrid this week.
“So if you can beat him, well, that’s the biggest win.”
He then added: “It was very flat in the first half, more confident. Our reserve man, Casemiro, we didn’t use enough. Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a lot of space on the right. We didn’t use him enough. Our pressing can be braver. This what we said at half time.
‘We have great personalities in our team’
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Leroy Rosenior reacts to Antony’s goal for Manchester United against Barcelona which gives them a 2-1 lead at Old Trafford in their Europa League clash.
Thursday’s win proved to be an impressive comeback against one of Europe’s top teams, further showing how much Ten Hag have bought into the team since the summer.
He explained BT Sports: “We have some good personalities in the team – like Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. They are progressing.
“Antony and Garnacho are not afraid of anyone and we have more. Bruno, Casemiro. We have some good personalities, so even when there are setbacks, they keep going.
Manchester United’s Fred celebrates his goal against Barcelona
“He’s resilient and focused on getting that result even with a cheap penalty. He believes he can turn things around.”
He also praised the contributions of goalscorers Antony and Fred – comparing midfielder Frenkie de Jong’s marks to mosquitoes.
Antony helped change the game for Man Utd with his introduction at half time
He said: “Antoni is brave and fearless. I think what he brought in the second half is what we need, runs at the back, dribbles, goals. He is brave, he will do it and when the opportunity comes, he will strike. I think he brings so much to this team.
“Fred has an important role. Already, last week in Barcelona, and this week, the same. He must first stop Frenkie de Jong from playing.
“He had to play as a mosquito around and back and he did that. He was very good. A good assist for Rashy at Barcelona and now it’s a goal.”
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Jonathan Liew and John Cross reflect on Manchester United’s Europa League win over Barcelona and Erik ten Hag’s impact at Old Trafford
This is another game where half-time substitutions have affected the result, and Ten Hag are keen to emphasize that they need their squad to be successful.
He added: “11-on-11 football, we attack with 11 and defend with 11, but it’s more about the squad. You need different types and different profiles.
“When your time is there, you have to be ready to come and contribute to the team. You can’t win trophies with 11, especially not now in football, you need a squad to bring a different dynamic to the game.”
Analysis: Half time change wins for Man Utd
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Leroy Rosenior reacts to Fred’s equalizer for Manchester United against Barcelona in the Europa League match
Sky Sports’ Adam Bate at Old Trafford:
“Manchester United have 19 goals scored by substitutes in all competitions this season, the most of any team in the five European leagues. Antony will be one of the most important and comes after an important change by Erik ten Hag at the interval.
“Wout Weghorst has started all 11 matches since joining United last month and is clearly the favorite of his teammates. But Ten Hag is ruthless enough to notice that something is not working and a quick swap at half time helps the team to turn this around. tie around.
“Bruno Fernandes moved to the middle, Jadon Sancho moved to the left. Rashford went up front and gave that threat at the back. Antony played on the right. It worked. .
“Ten Hag has felt a lack of options for much of his time in charge. There is no doubt that he will want to next season. But he has shown himself to be able to identify what is needed in the game and find solutions. Barcelona.”
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