Erik ten Hag has praised the performances of three Manchester United players following their 3-2 victory at home against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
On the back of successive defeats without scoring against Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Kobbie Mainoo gave Man United the lead in the 31st minute when he coolly placed his strike into the bottom corner from around 10 yards out after being played onside by Magpies defender Kieran Trippier.
Anthony Gordon restored parity for Newcastle just four minutes after half time, but a rocket from Amad Diallo put the Red Devils back in front before substitute Rasmus Hojlund added a third just three minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Lewis Hall pulled one back for Newcastle in stoppage time to set up a nervy finish, but Ten Hag's side held on for a potentially pivotal victory in the race to qualify for Europe.
Man United remain eighth in the Premier League table, but they have moved level on points with Newcastle in seventh and know that they will qualify for next season's Europa Conference league if they better the Magpies' result on the final day.
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Ten Hag "really pleased" with Amad progression
After the match, Ten Hag talked up Amad's improvements and progression both in training and on the pitch, and he was delighted to see the "high potential" winger score his first Premier League goal.
"It was a brilliant goal by Amad," Ten Hag said at his post-match press conference. "You see how young players are developing, like Amad, and I was really pleased with his performance and it was a great goal."
Asked if Amad has played himself into the starting lineup for Man United's FA Cup final with Manchester City later this month, Ten Hag added: "I think every player [is in contention]. Amad has had a difficult season because of a worse injury, he fought back and then he had to wait a long [time].
"His performances in training and progression in training was very good to see. Now he got his chance and he has taken his opportunity and that is how it should work.
"There is always internal competition and I am very pleased with his level at this moment. It can be a foundation to improve more and go to higher levels."
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Ten Hag full of praise for Amrabat, Casemiro
Ten Hag has also been impressed with Sofyan Amrabat, who was called upon defensively to make a couple of important blocks and challenges to preserve Man United's lead over Newcastle.
"I think he was playing a very good game," said Ten Hag. "Very important in pressing and counter-pressing, a really good job.
"Keeping the team together, keeping the team compact and good moments to press so we can control the game more."
Meanwhile, the Dutchman was also full of praise for Casemiro, another who made a number of crucial blocks and clearances versus the Magpies while playing again at centre-back, having previously been criticised for his performances in recent weeks.
"Casemiro was very stable, he showed leadership. We know how good he is and I'm sure he will take benefit from this," said Ten Hag. "I think he had a very good game. He uses his experience and his calmness so I was very pleased with his performance today."
Man United will look to end the season on a high and secure European football for next season when they travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday for their final league fixture of the campaign.
Oliver Thomas
