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The embargoed section of the pre-match press conference ended up drawing Erik ten Hag’s ire a bit, with the manager not appreciating the lack of questions about West Ham’s play. However, he did throw up some interesting facts.
“What I have heard around me, when I see the fight in the locker room, it is not that we are satisfied with this,” Ten Hag said of the Carabao Cup win.
Asked if he thought the United team could cope with his upcoming demands, Ten Hag said.
“In my experience at Ajax, when we left Europe, the levels went down and when you are inside it gives you energy, yes, I think. So far, we’ve managed it pretty well and I think we can do it until the end of the season.”
Ten Hag also gave an injury update, saying: “I’m happy. Except Anthony Martial, the availability of all the players is there.”
He was also happy with the attitude of his players.
“Mentally they are very ambitious, that is one thing and that gives energy. Second, we have the type of players who can handle the load, the physical load.”
The manager addressed concerns about post-trophy complacency and challenged his players to avoid such a trap, saying: “Of course, the players need to take responsibility for that first. They must take responsibility for their performance. but i can’t see that [a drop in levels happening]. It’s a trophy, but it’s not the end of the season.”
“What I have heard around me and when I see the comments… when I see the fight in the dressing room it is not that we are satisfied with this. We want to do better. That is quite clear. So it’s inspiring and it’s not the end, definitely not.”
Anthony Martial has been having trouble keeping fit and is unavailable, but Ten Hag is hopeful the Frenchman will return soon.
“Wait [he can return before the March international break] but i won’t give perspective [time], or an expectation about it. Let him do his job, since several times he has come back and he goes back too fast.
“Us [have to] give it time and hopefully it’s on board, but first, right now, we’re doing great in this configuration. When it becomes available, we will have another option, a good option.”
“Let’s give it [Martial] time and we’ll see when it comes back. So we will be happy because we have an extra quality option for the remainder of the season”.
Wout Weghorst was brought in to cover for the frequently injured Martial, and the manager was asked if he was interested in signing him, as well as Marcel Sabitzer, on permanent deals, to which he replied: “I think it’s too much. fast”. [to decide]. [It is] too soon to talk about it. First, we are in this season and that is where the focus should be. No distractions.”
Some very optimistic fans have been mentioning a possible quadruple, but the manager was dismissive, saying: “That’s too far. We have to focus on the next game. Now we are talking about the Premier League, but I did not hear the word West Ham. This is the West Ham press conference, so that’s all it is about. That’s all we have to talk about.”
The informant at United had been Marcus Rashford and the England star has played several games, but when asked if he needed a rest, Ten Hag was dismissive. “Does Marcus Rashford need to rest? No, he is in shape ”.
Another frequently called upon player, Bruno Fernandes, shouldn’t have any problems either. “Yes, but he likes to play. He doesn’t want to miss anything.”
“Play by play”, this is how United will take on the FA Cup, regardless of whether the Red Devils are favorites or not. “I think it was the West Ham United press conference so we just have to talk about this.”
United are the only English team left in four competitions, including the one they won, but on the prospect of winning four trophies, Ten Hag said: “That’s for the fans. We have to focus on the next game and that’s all we’re doing. We talked for 10 minutes and I didn’t hear the words West Ham United.”
The Dutchman was clearly frustrated by the question line, which was diverting attention from the FA Cup match.
