Ten Hag: United players now understand what is needed

Erik ten Hag hailed his Manchester United players after a Bruno Fernandes strike gave them a 1-0 win over Southampton.

Back-to-back wins over Liverpool and the Saints have lifted the early season gloom that shrouded Old Trafford following defeats to Brighton and Brentford.

And Ten Hag believes his squad are now aware what is required from them on a week-to-week basis at United.

The Dutchman, 52, said: "[My players] now understand that they have to act as a team, unified.

"That they have to give 100 per cent — 99 per cent is not enough. They have to fight for every ball and if you do that then you have the good base to win games. 

"When you are hard to beat [it is difficult for the opponent] and I think that is what you saw.

"I am happy with the performance from this team and when I talk about this team, I talk about the squad — also the subs. 

"We did it all together and also together with our fans. 

"It was really good to give the fans this win, they need it as well, and a win in an away game. But we have to do it much more often."

Ten Hag was also full of praise for Fernandes, who wore the captain’s armband for a second successive game with Harry Maguire on the bench.

He added: "I think he was searching for this moment — I remember his first chance against Brighton. 

"I’m sure he’s really [relishing leading] the team in this moment. 

"We saw that on Monday with his unbelievable running capacity. With his pressing, with his creating chances and I think today it was the same and if he then gets the reward by [scoring] a goal.

"I’m really happy for him and of course the team."

With 10 minutes remaining, Ten Hag brought new signing Casemiro on to give him his first taste of Premier League football.

The United boss said: "I think it was quite good for him to see the Premier League, it’s a different style.

"He had pre-season, he played some games, he played 90 minutes [only] one time but he is fit. 

"He had a good pre-season with a lot of training sessions and now we have to integrate him in the team in a way of play and a way of integrating with his team-mates."

United visit Leicester on Thursday night looking for their third victory in a row.