Erik ten Hag challenges Manchester United to "bring it" again after Liverpool derby win

Goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford were enough to give the Dutchman his first competitive win as United boss, and it was made all the more sweeter given that it was against their age-old rival Liverpool. 

He made four changes to the side who lost 4-0 in disastrous circumstances against Brentford last time out, leaving out Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Fed. 

His more counter-attacking, direct style that he decided to play against Liverpool worked well, and now he wants his side to build on these precious three points. 

Speaking after the win, he said: "I am happy with the performance but we have to bring it every game.

"Don't just bring it against Liverpool. Every Premier League game is difficult. We need to bring it to every game. It starts, once again, with the spirit."

Although his side did play in a different way with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez performing particularly well in the heart of defence, ten Hag praised his side's mentality rather than his own changes. 

He explained: "We can talk about tactical but it is all about attitude. There was communication and a fighting spirit. 

"I wanted a different approach and a different attitude and that is what they brought on the pitch. It is only a start. We can play with much more composure and much more danger.

"Be a team, and have a good spirit and that is what we saw today."

Manchester United now head to the south coast to play Southampton in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday where ten Hag will want the same sort of display to show that this much-improved performance against Liverpool, who they leapfrogged in the Premier League table after the victory, where they were able to neuter the attacking talent of the Reds.