Ten Hag: We have to be consistent

The boss was pleased with the response of the Reds to get back to winning ways against Brentford on Wednesday, after losing away to Newcastle last weekend. 

Now, as we welcome the Toffees to Old Trafford for the second time this season - following the home FA Cup win over them in January - Erik is calling for consistency from his side.

“It’s about demands and so we have to match standards always,” he said in his pre-match press conference on Friday. “It is about culture, that you can only be a player for Manchester United when you match those standards.

“And you have to do it always – it’s not about [doing it] once, because players when you are not absolutely top, they can do it once. 

“But for a player who is playing in the top [leagues], so competing for trophies, competing to win the Premier League; you have to do it always, [be] consistent.”

Marcus Rashford scored the deciding goal of the win over Brentford on Wednesday, as the Reds controlled the proceedings in M16 with a professional team performance.

“We have to do it every game and that needs preparation and it has to be the standard when you are playing for Manchester United,” the Dutchman added. 

“This is the demand, no ifs or buts, you have to do it and take responsibility. A player has to deliver and be accountable.”

The Reds take on Everton for the third time this season on Saturday, having beaten the Toffees at Goodison Park in October, as well as the aforementioned triumph in the third round of the FA Cup.

But this time, the Merseysiders come to Old Trafford equipped with Sean Dyche in the dugout.

“[Sean Dyche] is doing a great job,” Ten Hag said of the Toffees' boss. “The [Everton] team is really fit.

“Their physical output is outstanding so we have to match that.”

Kick-off at the Theatre of Dreams is set for 12:30 BST on Saturday.