Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag spoke to the media ahead of the game against West Ham on Sunday, less than a day after seeing his side win 3-0 against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League. .
Ten Hag was asked about a number of topics, including player returns, his plans for Sunday’s game and even the transfer window.
One player who came to the fore during the coach’s press conference was Cristiano Ronaldo. On what Ronaldo can offer in terms of goals, Ten Hag said it was up to the 37-year-old to determine how many he wants to put into the back of the net.
He supported the striker to kick after he scored a goal against Sheriff. Ten Hag was asked if the number 7 has a fight on his hands to return to the team.
To this, the Dutch boss replied: “Yes. [Ronaldo must force himself into the team]I know some see it that way, but I don’t have a European team and I don’t have a Premier League team. It comes, I look at the opponent [and see] what we need against that opponent.
He refused to be dragged into whether Ronaldo would start against David Moyes’ side, but assured fans that he had a plan A, B and C for almost every scenario. Ten Hag said that Ronaldo can play with Marcus Rashford and both players can thrive on each other.
The former Ajax manager was asked about Donny van de Beek and what the Dutch international could bring to the team. “Yeah, he was out for a long time so I was happy to give him a few minutes because you need to be in the right shape. But he will have to work for himself.
“When you look at the season so far, then if he was available, he should get his chance. Because we need goals and I know Donny is really good in the goal-scoring position.”
Something that will disappoint fans at the press conference before Sunday’s match is that Anthony Martial, according to Ten Hag, suffered another injury setback and is in a race against time to play for the club before the World Cup.
This led to the 52-year-old being asked if he would look to the January transfer window for a solution at the forward position. On this, he remarked that this was not the time to talk about acquisitions and that he was satisfied with his options.
Ten Hag conveyed that his players had learned from the Manchester City debacle and that was why his team was on a current winning streak.
Hopefully the Red Devils will extend this run with a victory against a resilient West Ham who have just won the Premier League against Bournemouth.
United Matchday Magazine – Stay on top of all things red! Take a seat for the West Ham game and join the debate on United’s hottest topics!
Get all the match preparation, articles, news, riddles, nostalgia and humor. Online soccer content like you’ve never seen it before. No ads, no clickbait, no fake news – just 100% pure United. secure online ordering Click Preview to see more or shop for just £1.25 / $1.50 Limited Time Offer: SAVE £10 On A Season Pass – Use Discount Code SEASON35 At Checkout.
