Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, spoke to the media before his team’s return to Premier League play on Tuesday, December 27.
Ten Hag: I’m not only the manager under pressure to finish top 4
Erik ten Hag has emphasised that while he acknowledges the burden to lead Manchester United into the top four of the Premier League, some of his rivals are also under “huge pressure.”
Ten Hag responded, “I accept it, way it is,” when it was suggested that a United manager could be under more pressure than managers at other clubs to secure a Champions League spot.
“But the managers of Chelsea (Graham Potter) and Newcastle (Eddie Howe) should be mentioned as well. All three clubs make significant investments in their team.”
“There is evident pressure on every manager to qualify for the Champions League. We aim to compete for trophies and place among the top four.”
"I think we have a good opportunity and we have a good chance to get into the top four." ?ļø
Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag believes his team has what it takes to push for the top 4 of the Premier League ā¬ļø pic.twitter.com/m15qMkmzT9
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) December 23, 2022
Ten Hag on PL restarts after World Cup
When asked about difficulties in PL restarting after World Cup, Ten Hag said, “It is. When we devised a strategy to carry it out, we had to consider each player’s unique needs and manage their load.”
“Everyone differs from one another, has a different schedule or number of minutes, plays in a different position, and is a different age.”
“Although we make every effort to accommodate everyone’s commitments, we know that the restart occurs five to six days after a World Cup final.”
“Everyone must be prepared for the Premier League to pick up rapidly following the World Cup, as we all know. For the benefit of the players, the coaching staff, and the managers, you must accept it.”
“We want a solid team to compete for the trophies because they must accept it and want to win.Ā We need to act wisely and ideally achieve the desired outcomes and level of performance.”
Ten Hag sends a resounding message to Martinez after the World Cup win
As the Argentinean celebrates his team’s victory at the tournament, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, firmly reminded World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez that the Premier League is back.
Varane and Martinez should return to action shortly, according to Ten Hag. Still, he would not say if they will be available to play against Forest.
“I can’t answer that question right now [whether Martinez will return],” Ten Hag stated.
“He is still enjoying a good time exploring Buenos Aires right now! It is tremendously emotional when your country wins the World Cup; I can appreciate that from my travels in Buenos Aires.”
“It is outstanding; it represents the pinnacle of football achievement. Licha also needs to comprehend that the Premier League will resume on December 27.”
"Martinez has to accept that on the 27th, the Premier League will go on.ā
Erik ten Hag says World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez āneeds to acceptā that Manchester Unitedās Premier League campaign restarts on December 27. pic.twitter.com/xEmFq1uQxZ
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 23, 2022
Ten Hag responds to Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s comments about the Gakpo transfer
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, downplayed the relevance of PSV Eindhoven manager Ruud van Nistelrooy’s suggestion that Cody Gakpo would depart in January.
Van Nistelrooy acknowledged that he could picture a scenario in which Gakpo quits the team in January.
“If I could choose, I would prefer that Gakpo go during the summer, but it is acceptable to do so now. You just know there will be a time when you won’t be able to refuse.” said the former United player.
Ten Hag has now downplayed the incident, speaking about the remarks at a press conference the week before Premier League football resumes.
“There were many many good players in the World Cup. [Van Nistelrooy] can say that about many players,” the United boss said.
