Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag referred to the EFL Cup win against Newcastle as “the first one”, hoping more trophies are to follow
Manchester United managed to get their hands on the first piece of major silverware in the Erik ten Hag era by beating Newcastle United 2-0 in the EFL Cup final. Casemiro and Marcus Rashford got on the scoresheet to lead United to their first trophy since 2017.
Ten Hag praised Man Utd’s senior players for EFL Cup win
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag expressed his excitement over winning his first trophy at the club but the Dutchman has bigger ambitions than only winning a domestic cup title. Ten Hag called the EFL Cup “the first one” in what he hopes to be a trophy-filled era at United.
Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “First, you have to win the first one, and that is what we did today. I think you get a lot of inspiration from this, but also more confidence that we can do it.
“I think we are still in a start to restore Manchester United where it belongs and that is winning trophies and this is the first one.”
He lauded his players who brought an end to United’s trophyless run, saying: “They are really well connected with each other, they challenge each other as well. In the moment it’s difficult, they help each other out. It’s good to see, and I think it’s the best a manager can get.”
“First, you have to win the first one, and that is what we did today“
Ten Hag pointed at some of the senior figures in Man Utd dressing room who impacted United’s performance in such a crucial game.
The former Ajax boss added: “I said before the game that Rapha Varane, Casemiro, David De Gea, they know how to win trophies.
“You need such lads on the pitch to point the team, to coach the team, to organize the team. Not only from a tactical perspective but also especially from a mental perspective, it’s so important.
“The winning attitude, they have to bring it in the dressing room, they have to bring it in the team in difficult situations.”
