Victor Lindelof heaps praise on Erik ten Hag for creating a clear system at Man United

Victor Lindelof praised Erik ten Hag for implementing a clear system during his debut campaign at Manchester United, after his side secured their place in next season’s Champions League on Thursday.

The Red Devils thumped Chelsea 4-1 at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, climbing into third spot in the Premier League ahead of their final match of the season against Fulham on Sunday. 

The dominant win confirmed United’s place in the Champions League next term and capped off a positive first season for Ten Hag.

Lindelof, who has been a regular for United since Lisandro Martinez’s season-ending injury in April, admitted that securing a top-four place was ‘always the target’ for his side this season, and urged that playing with a clear identity was the secret to achieving the feat.

‘That was always the target for us, so I’m very pleased we achieved that today,’ Lindelof told MUTV. 

Victor Lindelof heaped praise on Erik ten Hag after Manchester United sealed a top four finish

‘I mean we knew we could secure the spot and we went out there and won the game. I think everyone is very happy.

‘I think the mentality and effort everyone puts in [has been the difference]. Everyone knows exactly what to do on the pitch, we have a system and everyone knows their roles out there, so we’ve played some great football this season.

‘We deserve this spot in the Champions League. I think I’ve been performing well and when I’m on the pitch, I just want to help my team-mates to perform and to win the game. I think I’ve done that, so I’m pleased.’

While restoring Manchester United’s status as a Champions League side, Ten Hag also claimed the club’s first major trophy since 2017 during his first season at Old Trafford, winning the Carabao Cup in March.

Casemiro scored the opener as Manchester United triumphed 4-1 over Chelsea on Thursday

Set to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final in June, United are hoping to seal Ten Hag’s second trophy at Old Trafford and prevent their local rivals from clinching a historic treble.

City, who lifted the Premier League title last weekend, take on United in the FA Cup’s showpiece a week before facing Inter Milan in the Champions League final.

When asked about United’s crucial clash against City, Lindelof added: ‘We were just thinking about Chelsea today, but we have another big match on Sunday. 

‘We want to perform, keep a good home record and then after that, we can focus on what’s next.’