Erik ten Hag happy with the character shown by Manchester United players in the win over Fulham

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was happy with the character shown by the players during the 3-1 win over Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-final but underlined some areas where they could improve.

After going behind to a cute Aleksander Mitrovic finish early in the second half, United roared back into the game when Willian handled the Jadon Sancho shot on the line and got sent off. Mitrovic was sent for an early shower as well after manhandling the referee.

Bruno Fernandes converted the penalty to level the score up before Marcelo Sabitzer’s cute finish completed the turnaround. Fernandes scored another goal in the stoppage time to put an exclamation mark on the result.

Here’s what ten Hag said about the character shown by the players and overall performance (h/t BBC):

“This team has great character. We are mentally and physically fit, and I’m happy with our progress as a team.

“In possession [on performance], we could have been better. Out of possession, we were excellent. We came under pressure, gave away some set pieces and then conceded the goal. David de Gea kept us in the game after we conceded.”

United were a bit lackadaisical until the double Fulham sending-off and the Fernandes penalty. Even after taking the lead, Marco Silva’s men had the better chances to double their scoring.

So, that part of the game will worry ten Hag a bit. However, this team has shown powers of recovery a number of times this season. Hence, it was not a surprise that they created the chances to score goals and complete the turnaround.

It is another trip to Wembley for the fans this season. They will watch their team face an in-form Brighton side in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

Before that though, we have a two-week international break, followed by tricky games in the league, starting with an away trip to Newcastle United, who would be aiming to take the revenge of the Carabao Cup Final.

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Ten Hag would be hoping that the players come back fit and early enough from their international duties so that he has enough time to prepare them for the Newcastle contest.