The response of Erik ten Hag to Douglas Luiz’s celebration against Man United has been made public.
The Red Devils took the lead in the 17th minute thanks to a goal from Rasmus Hojlund, but Luiz’s equalizer in the second half gave them a response. As he celebrated the goal, the midfield player appeared to be aiming a shimmy-style dance at Raphael Varane.
The former Real Madrid player, who was obviously offended by Luiz’s remark, waved his arms angrily at the Brazilian midfielder. But Varane had the last laugh when, in the 86th minute, Scott McTominay gave United the lead. The Frenchman then sprinted to Villa’s number six.
Ten Hag downplayed the celebration and said it might have motivated his team when asked if he thought it was rude after the game.
He retorted, “I haven’t spoken to the players about whether or not it fueled them. I don’t have an opinion about that and if they think this is the right thing.
“I’m not sure, and I don’t think it matters.” It’s all about us, and we should focus on our strategy rather than the opposition. Our constant desire is to rule and dominate the game. That ought to be our strategy for every minute we spend on the field.
After the win, Villa’s advantage over United in the Premier League standings is now just five points, and Ten Hag’s team is still six points adrift of fourth-place Tottenham Hotspur.
The Red Devils’ chances of making the Champions League have significantly improved as they have won five of the last six games and four straight.
If the FA Cup is won and the team advances to the next Champions League, there is still hope for a season that once seemed doomed.
Since the beginning of the season, ten Hag has been able to motivate his team and get results, and they have performed admirably.
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Douglas Luiz reacts to Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United player, making fun of Aston Villa’s goal celebration.
On February 11, 2024, at Villa Park, during Aston Villa’s Premier League match against Manchester United, Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa gives a shimmy as he celebrates his goal in front of the Manchester United players. (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images photo)
Following his equalizer against Manchester United on Sunday, midfielder Douglas Luiz gave an explanation of his goal celebration.
Rasmus Hojlund of Denmark gave the Red Devils the lead early in the game, but with 23 minutes remaining, Luiz leveled the score by deflecting Leon Bailey’s drive into the roof of the net. The 25-year-old Villa player shook his chest in front of the Holte End to celebrate right away.
Rio Ferdinand, a TV pundit and former captain of United, could not help but criticize Luiz for his unconventional celebration on social media. Ferdinand posted a picture of the midfield player celebrating with a dance on X (formerly Twitter). He then wrote, “U ok @dgoficial,” and included laughing and crying emojis.
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The Villa man responded on Monday morning, marking celebrations in his native country, with an explanation that made sense. Luiz posted: “I’m good, thanks it’s just carnaval (sic) time in Brazil.”
