ERIK TEN HAG told his Manchester United players they are fighting for their futures in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Brighton.
Asked if his team understand the expectation of playing for the club, following their shambolic Europa League KO to Sevilla, United’s boss said: “If not, it’s time to be aware of it.
“You need to be prepared for the battle. We are always playing for our futures. You have to earn the right to wear the shirt. You have to prove yourself every game from the start.”
Ten Hag looked a bag of nerves ahead of his FA Cup press conference yesterday.
The normally straight-face boss broke a microphone and flapped about trying to fix it before talking about the huge tie.
You cannot blame him given how United’s players had fumbled the club’s treble dreams only the night before with an embarrassing European exit to Sevilla.
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Goalkeeper David de Gea and captain Harry Maguire were at the heart of another defensive horror show as United lost the quarter-final second leg 3-0 to go out 5-2 on aggregate.
Ten Hag has, at least, lifted the Carabao Cup at Wembley this term.
But he warned that tomorrow’s date under the Arch could be s*** or bust for a number of players.
Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial, Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Scott McTominay and Fred feature on a list of at least 15 whose futures are under threat.
When asked if his team understands the expectation that comes with representing the club, Ten Hag said: “It’s great to be part of United, a global football club but the flipside is you have to prove yourself every game from the start.
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“You have to step up and the good thing is Sunday is a great opportunity. This group of players has to prove it.
“We know we didn’t meet the standards. The expectations on the team, the players and on the manager of United are higher. We have to do better on Sunday.”
It was telling that Ten Hag did not get stuck into Maguire, despite the defender’s nightmare performance in Seville.
He is suspended tomorrow but the United boss chose only to compliment his broken captain, knowing all too well he will be under the microscope for the rest of the season.
Ten Hag said: “He has an important role in the fact that he is the captain, he leads, he communicates with the manager.
“He motivates the team and is an example on the training pitch. He always has good sessions.”
Other players Ten Hag is considering allowing to leave include Donny van de Beek, Anthony Elanga, Dean Henderson and Brandon Williams.
What this team does well is bounce back inbetween games. But what they do less, is bounce back during a game.
Erik ten Hag
Alex Telles, Hannibal Mejbri and Eric Bailly, who are out on loan, are almost certain to depart and the out-of-contract Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are definitely on their way.
The amount Ten Hag is able to spend will be shaped by whether there is a takeover or a cash injection from groups working alongside the Glazers.
When the Dutch boss was asked if he has faith he will be backed by the club’s board in the summer, he replied: “Yes I have. But I am here to get the best out of this group of players before Brighton and that’s why I’m here.
“We have to acknowledge it’s a mental thing. We have to learn that you keep going, you carry on.
“What this team does well is bounce back inbetween games. But what they do less, is bounce back during a game when there is a setback.
“That is what we have to improve.”
MAN UTD (likely): De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Shaw, Malacia, Casemiro, Eriksen, Antony, Fernandes, Rashford, Martial.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
