Ten Hag hails Man United's "big attitude and winning spirit" as he notices the 'bond between the fans and the team"
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he has been impressed with his Red Devils' "big attitude and winning spirit" after they secured a narrow 1-0 win over West Ham United on Sunday.
The 20-time champions beat David Moyes Hammers 1-0, thanks to Marcus Rashford's towering header in the 38th minute as they moved up to the 5th spot in the Premier League standings.
It was Rashford's 100th goal for the club in what was United's 85th anniversary of always naming a homegrown player in every match day squad.
Speaking to BBC's MOTD, the Dutchman expressed his delight at the 'bond between the fans and the team.'
'Big attitude and winning spirit.'
"In this team, it is a big attitude and winning spirit," Ten Hag said. "You see that the start of the season was not that good but improving a lot. We have to keep that process going.
"The fans also like it. You see developing a bond between the fans and the team, that is good."
When asked about England forward Rashford's display on the day, he replied: "It is a great performance. It is fantastic and fantastic for Manchester United. They have a great academy and a great history with the academy.
"The player on the 85th anniversary of always having a youth player in the squad or on the pitch and Marcus Rashford I think he is representing that fact and scores a brilliant goal with a great pass from Eriksen. It was a great header, the day before his birthday, for his 100th goal is a real milestone."
On defender captain Harry Maguire making his return to the Man United starting XI with a superb display, Ten Hag said: "He was magnificent in protecting the box. He is a great player and a really good defender and we have seen how important he is for the squad.
"I am really happy for the team of course but also Harry Maguire as he came off the pitch with a clean sheet."
'Man Utd rely on De Gea'
Ten Hag also reserved praise for goalkeeper David de Gea, who made a string of saves to help Man Utd secure the much-needed three points.
"If we don't manage it with the 10 outfield players on the pitch you can really see defending with 11 because we have a great goalkeeper," the 52-year-old coach added.
"With great saves and composure, you can rely on him [De Gea]."
Asked if this was where you wanted the team to be when you started managing at the Theatre of Dreams, he answered "We have a long way to go, there is a lot of room for improvement. We need to keep the process going and also learn from the wins.
"The second half we could have done it better. We have to also be critical of ourselves. I am happy, don't get me wrong, with the spirit and the defending, but when you keep the ball better you have more control of the game."
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