Manchester United are celebrating a superb away victory at competitors Aston Villa, which was hard fought from start to finish.
Manchester United closed the gap on fourth placed Aston Villa with an important win, showing Erik ten Hag‘s side can beat a top side away from home.
Here is a look at three things the manager got right in the 2-1 win…
Bringing Scott McTominay on
Manchester United have become used to seeing Scott McTominay score vital goals, and this was another well-timed strike from the Scotland international.
McTominay powered in a header which left Emiliano Martinez with no chance, showing desire to beat defender Matty Cash to the cross.
Ten Hag took off Marcus Rashford to bring McTominay on, shifting Alejandro Garnacho to the left and Marcus Rashford to the right. It was a tactical shift which worked.
McTominay’s header gave Manchester United all three points, showing what a valuable squad player he is turning out to be this season.
Keeping Diogo Dalot at right-back
Luke Shaw went off at half-time with an injury, giving Erik ten Hag a decision to make, even after it was decided Victor Lindelof would be his replacement.
Diogo Dalot has frequently filled in at left-back this season, so he was an option to play there, with Lindelof on the right.
Ten Hag kept Dalot on the right and brought Lindelof on the left, and that thankfully was the correct decision.
Dalot’s superb cross from right-back set up the winner for McTominay, his third assist of the season, and his best one yet.
Trusting Casemiro and Mainoo on yellow cards
Erik ten Hag showed his trust in his midfielders with Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo trusted to see out the 90 minutes, with Mainoo coming off in injury time.
Both players picked up yellow cards late in the first half, with Casemiro’s really harsh, where it appeared he did not even touch the Villa player he was accused of fouling.
Ten Hag trusted both players to tread the line in the second half and keep their discipline, while continuing to fight for every ball in midfield. They did the manager proud, demonstrating he was right to trust them.