26 December 2023 , 23:06
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Erik ten Hag told his Manchester United players to "keep believing" before their comeback win over Aston Villa.
United found themselves two goals down at half-time after John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker both scored for the visitors at Old Trafford. Yet a brace from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund's first Premier League goal turned the game on its head.
The Boxing Day win is huge for Ten Hag. United, who have already been knocked out of Europe and the Carabao Cup this season, have moved up to sixth in the Premier League table. The comeback also unfolded in front of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's right-hand man.
Ratcliffe, who has agreed to buy a 25 per cent stake in United, sent Sir Dave Brailsford to watch the game. Brailsford is the sporting director of INEOS - the company Ratcliffe co-owns - and is set to have a huge say in the billionaire's Old Trafford revolution.
Speaking to Match of the Day, Ten Hag was asked to reveal his half-time message. He replied: "Keep believing. I think our fans they deserved it. They are always behind us and we've had so many setbacks. So I'm really pleased from the performance of this team.
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"What kind of team can handle and deal with the amount of setbacks we have had? They are resilient, they have showed character and their personality to turn it around. I am very pleased with the performance of this team.
"Keep going, even when you get setbacks. Again we had so many setbacks today as well. Two set plays and we lose focus, also you can say very well done from Villa.
Manchester United recovered from two goals down to beat Aston Villa on Boxing Day (OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)What did you make of Manchester United's comeback? Let us know in the comments below!
"But we created moments in the first half and you get disappointed you don't score. Straight after half-time we have a goal which is offside. But I am very pleased with the strength of my team and the character the team showed."
Ten Hag was also full of praise for Garnacho. The United boss added: "He played a fantastic game. He was so disappointed after West Ham that he didn't score his one-on-ones. Now he's scored twice and it's a reward for all the effort and work he puts in."
And Ten Hag seemed optimistic about Ratcliffe's takeover. He continued: "We are optimists. We have been kept informed during the whole process. It's very good, we are looking forward to working with them. It's positives for United I know.
"But for now, it was important to focus on this game for our season. It's important for this team to get a base that we can build on."