Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insisted he knew his side would have to be at their best to defeat Everton in the FA Cup after the Blues held neighbours City at the Etihad less than a week earlier.
Despite having since dropped into the Premier League relegation zone, Frank Lampard’s side put in another impressive display in Manchester but did not get their reward at Old Trafford with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s equaliser being ruled out by VAR for Demarai Gray being offside in the build-up before United added a third goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time to add some gloss to the final scoreline.
Ten Hag said: “I think there are no easy games against Premier League teams. Less than a week ago, Everton performed really well at Manchester City and got a draw so you have to be ready for every game.
READ MORE: Everton find new formation as Alex Iwobi blow raises new question
READ MORE: Frank Lampard explains Everton fan exchange after Manchester United defeat
“I think every player in our squad, if you’re at 99%, you don’t win games. I like knockout games, it’s about do or die and today we had a squad that was determined to win this game so for me it was enjoyable to see the winning attitude is coming and the winning attitude is there in the squad.”
United have now won seven games in a row and with both a Manchester Derby at Old Trafford and trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal coming after Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Charlton Athletic, ten Hag is pleased with the run his team are now on. He said: “I think we have a good belief.
“I think first of all it’s about keeping the freshness with so many games. With some of the players today I could see that the load was high so we also have to make sure we get the right balance in load and relaxation and the players keep fresh for the good games that are coming and the challenges.
“We know that if you want to face the big games that are now coming, City and Arsenal – also Leeds – your physical performance has to be top to have a chance to win those games. That’s what we have to work for, that is a responsibility of the player, first in what they’re doing and to get ready for the next game.
“It’s going to be tough, it’s going to be high intensity but if we’re playing with a discipline we have a chance to win those games, which we’ve already proven.”
READ NEXT
Farhad Moshiri 'in talks' with Qatar executives over Everton Stadium deal
Marcus Rashford sends classy message to Everton after Man United defeat
Manchester United supporters' group condemn 'illegal' chants aimed at Everton boss Frank Lampard
Alex Iwobi injury blow after midfielder leaves FA Cup tie on a stretcher
'A lot of bad players' - Roy Keane delivers brutal verdict to Everton and Frank Lampard
