Erik ten Hag picked out “brilliant” Victor Lindelof for praise after his showing in Manchester United ’s slender win against Aston Villa.
The Red Devils edged past the Midlands side 1-0 at Old Trafford with Bruno Fernandes netting the decisive goal. Victory edges Ten Hag’s men towards a place in the Champions League with one of their growing rivals for a top four place downed.
The clash against Villa was expected to be a testing one given their displays under Unai Emery and the electric form that Bayern Munich target Ollie Watkins found himself in. However, United managed to keep them at bay.
They were indebted to Swedish defender Lindelof who produced a number of vital clearances, whilst his fledgling partnership with Luke Shaw appears to be improving with each game. The ex-Benfica star received plenty of praise from his manager come the full-time whistle, whilst Ten Hag was also complimentary of Fernandes’ matchwinning display.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: "[Victor Lindelof] played brilliant. He was totally in control in the area around [Ollie] Watkins.
"Bruno [Fernandes] had another great game. The plan was to play him from the right to make runs behind and he did that so well. I think our plan worked very well."
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The ex-Ajax man was also highly complimentary of his side’s performance against Villa after what has been a tricky few weeks but was frustrated that they did not manage to rubber-stamp victory sooner rather than later.
He said: "A good three points but I think an impressive performance from Manchester United. We were magnificant on the ball, had good possesion and pressed well. In the second half you want to go 2-0 ahead but we didn't so it's always going to be a tough finish."
The victory over Villa edges United towards a place in the Champions League. They hold a nine-point advantage over Spurs and Villa in the race for the top four.
Ten Hag recognised that the Red Devils are now in control of their own destiny but has encouraged his side not to take their foot off of the gas. The Dutchman added: "We look from game to game and next we have Brighton so we need to work hard again.
“We need to show passion again and not worry about the table. We are totally in control [in the race for top four], it's all about us and it's in our hands."
After their trip to Brighton, United face games against West Ham, Wolves, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Fulham before the FA Cup final against fierce rivals Man City at Wembley.
