Erik ten Hag praised the fight and togetherness of Manchester United after his side won 1-0 at Burnley.
Bruno Fernandes scored a stunning winner as the Red Devils bounced back from a run of three consecutive losses in all competitions, as the midfielder expertly volleyed home from Jonny Evans’ lofted pass forward.
Manchester United had earlier seen an Evans goal disallowed by VAR, but spent much of the game without the ball as Burnley dominated the possession (68%). The Clarets impressed in periods, but were unable to find a leveller with Andre Onana saving well from a Zeki Amdouni header.
Ten Hag admitted his side were under pressure to win after conceding 3+ goals in each of their last three fixtures and praised the spirit his side showed at Turf Moor.
“It was clear. Of course we needed that win. We had a tough run of games against good opponents. It wasn’t necessary to lose those games. Today was must-win,” he told BBC Sport.
“The team spirit and how they fight together [was impressive]. It was a team attacking with 11 and defending with 11. They supported each other.
“A lot has been against us, like injuries and decisions. Like tonight. Murphy’s Law where everything goes against us. You have to fight and find a turning point. It shows the dressing room is together. They fight together.
“In stages of the all the games we’ve played we’ve played good football but if you want to win you have to do it consistently. That was a brilliant spell of the game. The pass from Evans was brilliant, the movement and finish from Bruno too.
“Last year we had the most clean sheets in the Premier League. We were disciplined and followed the rules. When we do that it’s difficult to play against Manchester United.
“He [Evans] gave the team calmness. His skills were brilliant, as with the goal.”
