Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag spoke to the press ahead of Sunday’s match against Newcastle.
Just one day after United claimed a 1-0 victory against Omonia, the Dutch manager outlined his plans and his team’s preparations ahead of the crucial match against the Magpies.
One player who came to the fore during the Ten Hag press conference was Antony. The Brazilian has taken English football like a fish in water, stepping strong.
When asked what the world should expect from Antony, Ten Hag replied, “Development. I think we’ve seen some now because of their dribbling abilities and their speed. The finishing of him, also the creation of him, but now he also has to work on more variations”.
He added about the end: “He [Antony] he is a player who can adapt quickly at a high level and he is a player who likes challenges, and needs challenges.”
“Each training session for him is a challenge, each game is a challenge, and that will bring out the best in him and he likes that. I think he’s already at a very good level when you’re the first player to score three in a row, three goals for United. in all history. That already shows its potential.”
Beyond Antony, the United manager also referred to the other attackers he has at his disposal. He confirmed that Anthony Martial is in contention to be selected against Eddie Howe’s men, although further testing is due on the Frenchman.
He backed Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho to score 20-plus goals this season. Ten Hag noted that Rashford’s finishing and clinical nature in front of goal is something that needs to be refined. The Englishman was especially wasteful last night against Omonia, where on another day his mistakes could have cost his team three points.
Sancho, who has come under fire in recent weeks, was praised by the manager for a much-improved cameo against Omonia after he came on as a substitute.
The 52-year-old gave the press an update on Harry Maguire. Although the defender will not be in the team of the day according to Ten Hag, he will return to training next week.
The Dutchman warned fans and his players about the danger of underestimating Newcastle. He described the rival as a team that plays with a lot of energy, a lot of intensity and that it is difficult for the rival team to bring them down.
Finally, he highlighted the importance of winning, pointing out that it would only give the team a boost to continue winning and reaping positive results.
It is imperative that the Red Devils commit to taking all three points against a dangerous and revitalized Newcastle. There are tougher games ahead that require scoring as many points as possible while the opportunity to do so exists.
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