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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Samuel Luckhurst

Erik ten Hag explains what Manchester United can improve after Crystal Palace win

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United need to improve their timing when they press opponents after they won a third successive match against Crystal Palace.

United won 3-1 at Melbourne Cricket Ground to maintain a 100% winning record on their pre-season tour ahead of facing Aston Villa in Perth on Saturday.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho scored in a comprehensive victory only blemished by Joel Ward's consolation and the dismissal of teenage defender Will Fish.

Also read: Ten Hag is already changing the way United players play

United players have adapted impressively to Ten Hag's demands and approach but the Dutchman insists they are still a work in progress.

“The timing (can be improved)," Ten Hag told MUTV. "When you start the press, for instance, I still see switches we can avoid and we can prepare a better press.

"And I think, also on the ball, we play well but you see, in the end, when it's 2-0 or 3-0 up, the belief is increasing. And then, also on the ball, we can delay and we can postpone and we can fight opponents so they come out and we can speed up. The 2-0 (goal), especially, was a great goal.

"We are happy with the improvement we see but also you see a lot of work to do. We scored some wonderful goals and that is also true.

"I agree [United are winning the ball higher up the pitch] and that is also the demand on the team. We press all day and, if we can, do that high up the pitch.

"But if we can't, we get to do that in a lower block but we also have to press and do it together as a team."

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