I think we found the mentality, the character to win – Erik Ten Hag after Villa victory

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag hailed the team’s character after their 2-1 win against Aston Villa at the Villa Park on Sunday. Rasmus Hojlund scored the opening goal for the visitors in the 17th minute. But the goal was canceled out as Douglas Luiz equalized in the 67th minute.

However, substitute Scott McTominay scored the winning goal in the 86th minute to help his team claim all three points.

The Dutchman was happy with the performance of his players and said they ticked the right boxes in the first 20 minutes.

“I liked especially the first 20 minutes. When we are dictating the game, after I think we are dropping a little bit too much,” Ten Hag told reporters on Sunday.

“We had our moments in the counter attacks, but yeah, I think then at 1-1, to fight back, we are really happy for today… I think it was really high intensity and you could see how many players were so, so fatigued by the end.

“It was so open and it could go two ways. But then finally, I think we found the mentality, the character to win this game. And I think also the subs, they have had an impact.”

Meanwhile, Luke Shaw, who recently made a comeback after recovering from an injury, was substituted at half-time by Ten Hag. The Dutchman said it was a precautionary move to take back the defender as he complained of some pain.

“He mentioned some complaints and we can’t take a risk with, especially Luke Shaw, because he has had so many injuries in the past.

“We took him off so that it did not become an injury. We have to see how it develops in the coming days.”

Manchester United will next take on Luton Town on Sunday and will look to continue their winning impetus as they have won their last three Premier League matches.