Erik ten Hag gives his view on Man Utd title hopes & praises ‘brilliant’ star in Bournemouth win

Erik ten Hag has said it would be a ‘big step’ for Manchester United to be involved in a title race and claimed his side are not in the shake up for top spot.

The Red Devils moved level on points with third-place Newcastle United on Tuesday thanks to a 3-0 win over Bournemouth at Old Trafford, with Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford among the goals. Ten Hag’s side are also just a point behind Manchester City, and could potentially move ahead of their near neighbours when they meet at Old Trafford in United’s next league match.

The Red Devils are enjoying a superb run and have lost just one of their last 16 in all competitions, while picking up four wins without conceding a single goal since the return of club football. But Ten Hag believes United’s nine-point gap to leaders Arsenal means they’re too far behind to be considered a candidate for the title at present.

"That is a big step, no, we have to go from game to game and get the progress,” opined the Dutchman. “I think the belief is growing. That is a good signal, and it is good to have that feeling.

"We have to understand that we have to give every game 100 percent energy, 100 percent focus and 100 percent play as a team. If you keep that philosophy, it is possible, but you have to go from game to game.

"Don’t think too much ahead,” he added. “It is now January, we’re not even half a season. The next game is Everton, we have to focus on that, but it is coming quick - enjoy 24 hours and then move on."

While United were worthy winners against the Cherries, David de Gea was forced to make four good saves in the second half. Ten Hag was surprisingly critical of his side after the game but did praise his goalkeeper.

“He performed really well and today he had some brilliant saves,” said the former Ajax boss. “I think one [reason] we have so many clean sheets is David de Gea.

“I remember a couple of other great saves, against West Ham for example I remember a save just before [full] time. But I think in general we don’t concede so many chances. Today we had some clear chances against in the season half.”