Erik ten Hag speaks out after stunning win over Aston Villa

Manchester United are closing in on the top four positions as Erik ten Hag’s men seem to have turned a corner in the new year, with a Rasmus Hojlund-inspired teams marching to their third consecutive Premier League win on Sunday afternoon.

Hojlund scored his fifth goal in as many league games early at Villa Park and maintained that lead for the first 45. Unai Emery’s men dominated the second half and deservedly scored an equaliser through Douglas Luiz.

The home side arrogantly celebrated the goal as they looked to score a winner but like so often this season, a late goal would define the game for United.

This time, it was in United’s favour and it was top scorer Scott McTominay who came on to score a stunning bullet header in the 86th minute.

“Our set pieces were very good. Our defensive organisation in the first part was very good and we had moments on the ball we were calm but once we scored we changed our mindset but for me you must play on,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying by the BBC.

“You can do this at the end but not when you are dictating the first 20 minutes, you must keep going on.

“I never think about negative situations. I’m thinking positive, we have to catch up but we are not there yet. We are in a good mood and we have to keep this process going but there is so much space for improvement. There are many games left to play and we’ll see what happens.”

The distance between themselves and Aston Villa is now cut to just five points and United have forced themselves into the Champions League conversation.

United’s form has turned around since the return of their first-team regulars and Ten Hag will be hoping to salvage something from this season.