Football: United not title contenders but belief is growing, says ten Hag after 3-0 win over Bournemouth
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Manchester United's Casemiro celebrates scoring their first goal.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON - Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said his side cannot be considered title contenders yet this season, but the belief in the squad is growing after another victory over Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Goals from Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford earned United a 3-0 win, their fourth English Premier League victory in a row, closing the gap on leaders Arsenal (44) to nine points.
United struggled to their worst-ever Premier League points total last season and have not won the English top-flight title since 2013, when Alex Ferguson was still in charge.
“That’s a big step,” ten Hag said, when asked about United’s involvement in the title race.
“No, but the belief is growing and that’s a good signal. We have to give every game 100 per cent energy and focus and, if you keep in that philosophy, it’s possible (a title bid).
“We don’t get too far ahead, it is January, not even half a season. The next game is Everton (in the FA Cup) coming quick, so we will enjoy 24 hours and then move on.”
United have won four consecutive home Premier League games without conceding a goal for the first time since a run of six between May and October 2017, and have not conceded in the league at home since a 3-1 win over Arsenal in September.
Goalkeeper David de Gea needed to make several fine saves to preserve another clean sheet on Tuesday, and drew specific praise from his manager.
“We only stay strong defensively if we do our jobs and give 100 per cent in every situation,” he added.
“He (de Gea) performed really well. He made some brilliant saves and, today, one of the reasons we have so many clean sheets is David de Gea. In general, we don’t concede so many chances.”
The win gives United a five-point cushion over Tottenham Hotspur in fifth – before Spurs took on Crystal Palace on Wednesday – and draws them level on points with third-placed Newcastle United, who drew 0-0 at Arsenal, and have played a game more.
Manchester United’s Luke Shaw scores their second goal.
PHOTO: REUTERS
One downside for United was a serious knee injury picked up by Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek on just his second league start of the season.
“It’s difficult to say, we have to wait 24 hours before we can give a good diagnosis,” ten Hag said.
“It is (a concern). It doesn’t look good.”
Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil insisted that his team did not deserve to lose 3-0, adding: “I think we had maybe six or seven chances but, obviously, Manchester United had some as well.” AFP, REUTERS
