“He showed personality,” said Ten Hag. “He knows that before, the levels of what his skills are, he didn’t match his skills and he could do better.
“I think Saturday [against Sheffield United] was a very good performance, today as well. Also, don’t forget that brilliant save just after half-time in the counter-attack.”
As well as Onana, Ten Hag was also grateful for another unlikely hero in Maguire — another target of United supporter angst — who scored his first goal for the club since February, 2022.
“Stepping in passing vertical, defending also on front foot, stepping in defending forward, very confident in the duels, he is dominating, dominating his opponents,” Ten Hag said.
“You see he gets rewarded, it’s a very good skill from him, his heading. I have to say a great pass from Christian [Eriksen] as well and a very good finish.”
Next up for Ten Hag’s side is a Manchester derby with crosstown rivals City on Sunday as United tries to keep their good run of form on track.