23 September 2023 , 22:45
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Erik ten Hag admitted his relief at seeing Manchester United come away with a much-needed three points from Burnley.
But he insisted his side still had much to improve if they are to get their season back on track. The Red Devils had lost four of their opening six games in all competitions heading into Saturday's clash at Turf Moor.
Ten Hag has been scathing of his side amid their struggles this term, but was left happier after the trip to the Clarets. Captain Bruno Fernandes scored a goal of the season contender to bring home the three points with a stunning first-half volley.
After seeing referee Tony Harrington blow the final whistle, Ten Hag breathed a huge sigh of relief. Though he conceded that it was only the start for United's comeback after a difficult year.
"It was clear. Of course we needed that win. We had a tough run of games against good opponents. It wasn’t necessary to lose those games. Today was must-win," the United boss told BBC Sport.
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"The team spirit and how they fight together [was impressive]. It was a team attacking with 11 and defending with 11. They supported each other. A lot has been against us, like injuries and decisions. Like tonight.
"Murphy’s Law where everything goes against us. You have to fight and find a turning point. It shows the dressing room is together. They fight together. In stages of the all the games we’ve played we've played good football.
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Bruno Fernandes scored a stunning goal for United's winner"But if you want to win you have to do it consistently. That was a brilliant spell of the game. The pass from Evans was brilliant, the movement and finish from Bruno too. Last year we had the most clean sheets in the Premier League.
"We were disciplined and followed the rules. When we do that it’s difficult to play against Manchester United. He [Evans] gave the team calmness. His skills were brilliant, as with the goal."
Having started the day a lowly 13th, United now find themselves 8th in the Premier League table. And matchwinner Fernandes admitted that while his side's performance was far from their best, the three points were all that mattered.
"It was a great pass from Jonny [Evans]. I know he has great qualities playing the ball in behind with both feet. I was waiting for it [the pass]. Burnley give space behind but it was tough to get that at times and we took the chance when it was there," he told TNT Sports.
"We know that we have been in a tough bit of momentum, but we knew we could come back from it. Obviously today the performance was not the best, but we got the three points which is the most important thing.
"We knew the game today would be tough. Burnley play very well and, to be honest, I don't think that the points they have reflect how good they are. We are happy to take the win home today."