The Dutch coach says Everton’s plethora of chances were all ‘low quality’ (Picture: Getty)

Erik ten Hag has dismissed concerns over Manchester United?s fragile back-line after they conceded 23 shots against Everton on Saturday and insists his side?s style of play is sustainable.

The Red Devils closed the gap to fifth-placed Tottenham to three points after a 2-0 victory over the Toffees at Old Trafford, with both goals coming from the penalty spot ? one converted by Bruno Fernandes, the other by Marcus Rashford ? after fouls on Alejandro Garnacho.

But, certainly in the first half, United had little control of the contest and gave up 23 shots while only having 15 themselves.

Incredibly, they have now faced 134 shots in their last six matches, with club legends Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand both of the belief that United?s porous back-line and wide-open midfield cannot provide a consistent or reliable platform to build a late top-four charge.
Ten Hag, though, insists he is not worried about the shot statistics from Saturday?s win, instead citing his team?s superior Expected Goals (xG) figure, and has suggested his side’s set-up is a deliberate tactic to give up low-quality chances.

Asked if it is sustainable for opponents to keep racking up over 20 shots in matches, Ten Hag replied: ?Oh yeah, we do it already, I would say, for a long time and many more games.

?If you see, their xG is not that high and ours was much higher.

?But it was their gam...