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Topics: Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Fred, Erik Ten Hag
Ryan Smart
Topics: Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Fred, Erik Ten Hag
Man United boss Erik ten Hag has revealed what he asked Fred prior to his goal during his side's 2-0 win over Spurs on Wednesday.
The Red Devils produced one of their finest attacking performances for some time, peppering 28 shots at Hugo Lloris' goal over the 90 minutes.
A total of 19 of those shots came in the first half, but Spurs managed to keep the scores level at the break.
However, United broke through on 47 minutes, Fred netting his first Premier League goal of the season.
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His shot from inside the area took a deflection off Ben Davies, wrong-footing Lloris, before nestling in the back of the net.
Bruno Fernandes added a second goal on 69 minutes to seal the victory. And even Cristiano Ronaldo walking down the tunnel shortly before full-time did not take too much away from what was an impressive United performance.
Ten Hag was understandably delighted with his side's display, which lifts them to one point behind fourth-placed Chelsea. The Blues drew 0-0 at Brentford.
The Dutchman also revealed what he asked Fred before his crucial goal that gave United an advantage they would not give up.
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Speaking in his post-match press conference, Ten Hag said: "I said to him before the match: 'Are you ready?'
"He said: 'I am always ready'. And he proved it. It was a magnificent performance from Fred, that's clear."
The Brazilian was also delighted with his, and the team's, display - and the chant sung by the Old Trafford faithful, to the tune of Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart Again'.
United are back in action on Saturday, when they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The winner of the match will end the day in the top four.
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And Ten Hag will hope his side can put in a similarly impressive display against a different type of opponent, with Graham Potter's side unbeaten in their last five Premier League games.