Erik ten Hag hails Man United's change of 'attitude and spirit' in victory over Liverpool

Dutchman oversees first Premier League win after losses to Brighton and Brentford

Jadon Sancho celebrates after putting Manchester United ahead in the 2-1 win against Liverpool at Old Trafford on August 22, 2022. AFP

Tyrell Malacia celebrates Sancho's goal. Offside

Jadon Sancho after giving United the lead. AFP

Jadon Sancho and his teammates celebrate at Old Trafford. Getty

United's new signing Casemiro takes a selfie prior to the match. Getty

Jadon Sancho celebrates bis goal. PA

United manager Erik ten Hag celebrates victory as Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp stands by. Getty

Jadon Sancho beats James Milner to score. PA

Marcus Rashford scores United's second goal. PA

Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring the second goal. Getty

Rashford celebrates with Diogo Dalot. Getty

Mohamed Salah pulls a goal back for Liverpool with a header. Getty

New signing Casemiro poses with a United shirt. Getty

Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes tussle for the ball. AFP

Erik ten Hag praised his players' attitude and spirit as Manchester United ended a disappointing start to the new Premier League season with an impressive 2-1 win over fierce rivals Liverpool.

The Dutchman has the unwanted distinction of being the only United manager in more than a century to lose his first two games in charge.

A 2-1 loss at home to Brighton on the opening day and followed that up with an abject display in a 4-0 embarrassment away to Brentford to leave United bottom of the table for the first time in 30 years.

Ten Hag's bold selections - Cristiano Ronaldo and captain Harry Maguire were dropped to the bench - paid off handsomely as United's high tempo blitzed Liverpool for the opening 30 minutes.

Jadon Sancho gave the home side a deserved half-time lead before Marcus Rashford's first goal since January put United 2-0 up.

Mohamed Salah pulled a goal back for Liverpool 10 minutes from time, but Jurgen Klopp's men have now failed to win any of their first three league games of the season to fall seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

"We can talk about tactics but it is all about attitude," said Ten Hag.

"I am happy with the performance but we have to bring it every game. Don't just bring it against Liverpool. Every Premier League game is difficult, we need to bring it to every game. It starts, once again, with the spirit."

Ten Hag reportedly dragged his players in on a planned day off to run 13.8 kilometres the day after a 4-0 defeat to Brentford last weekend.

That was the extra distance covered by Brentford players and United collectively covered 18 kilometres more than eight days ago with a number of players struggling with cramp in the closing stages.

Man United v Liverpool ratings

"Today was really important for us," said Bruno Fernandes, who was made captain in the absence of Maguire.

"We showed the right intensity and more importantly the right character. We got the three points. Scoring first was really important for us, for our confidence.

"It was important for us to take the first step in the league, now we have to carry on"

Victory took United above Liverpool in the league table and to within four points of the top four.

Casemiro was paraded at Old Trafford before kick off, but United's latest €70 million signing had to settle for a seat in the stands as the Brazil midfielder was not registered in time to make his debut.

Ten Hag hinted that more money will be spent in the final 10 days of the transfer window, but said there was also a route back into the team for Maguire and Ronaldo.

"I don't have to mention Maguire and Ronaldo. They are amazing players and they will play a role in the future and the short-term future as well," he said.

"We have the right players, I am convinced of that. The window is not closed and you need numbers and also quality."

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