Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag heaped praise on three players following the club’s 3-1 comeback win over Lens at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils produced an underwhelming first-half display against the French outfit, and they trailed at the break after a wondergoal from Florian Sotoca.
However, they picked up their performance following the interval. Marcus Rashford put United level in the 48th minute after a brilliant assist from Antony.
Antony made it 2-1 in the club’s favour in the 53rd minute from a wonderful bit of team play.
Alejandro Garnacho delivered a perfect pass into the path of Antony who found the net after his first touch. Rashford played his part with a clever dummy run.
Casemiro doubled United’s advantage before the hour mark. Rashford was involved again. His header from a Luke Shaw cross deflected off Casemiro into the net.
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag was full of praise for Rashford, Antony and Garnacho.
He told Manutd.com: “I’m very pleased with Rashy, of course. The way [he scored] is a typical Rashy goal, I will say. We came out of the back there from a defender and there was a great assist from Antony.”
“I was very pleased with Antony’s performance, he’s improving and also Garna. I think that second goal is a picture, it’s a brilliant goal.
“The movement – the dribble from Garna, then inside the movement in the right moment, the timing, the run from Rashford, and then it opens up and then the great pass from Garna and the first touch and the finish.”
Rashford struggled from the centre-forward role in the opening 45 minutes, but he looked at his best after the interval. He finished with a goal and an assist to his name.
Antony likewise registered two goal contributions after the break. Garnacho was also brilliant against Lens. The teenager delivered a lively display until he was substituted.
The Argentine created the goal for Antony with a precise delivery. He could have a big season ahead.
Garnacho was largely restricted to cameo roles last term, but he will be aiming to break into the starting plans of Ten Hag with more regularity in the upcoming campaign.
It won’t be easy with the fierce competition for places. Garnacho faces a straight tussle with Rashford and Antony for the wide positions once Rasmus Hojlund leads the line.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
