Ten Hag sets challenge for young Reds

The Reds will hope to build on our unbeaten start to 2024 but will be acutely aware that a stern test awaits against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa amid a raucous Villa Park crowd.

In his pre-match interview with club media, the boss talks about replacing the injured Lisandro Martinez, setting a challenge for our young stars and he also has a message for former United players following Robin van Persie’s visit to Carrington.

Watch and read Erik’s thoughts below ahead of the 16:30 GMT kick-off…

Erik, a fascinating game awaits on Sunday. How important is it given Villa are one of those teams you are chasing for a top-four finish?
“Yeah, we know where we are in the league table, so we have to catch up. So that means and we have said that to each other, every game is a final for us. So that has to be the approach for every game. This is a final. And yeah we have to take the challenge and we have to rise to the occasion in every final. So we're looking forward. We have energy, also from the last games we have confidence. So now we have to take that in that game. But yeah, we have to start on zero.”

They were well beaten by Chelsea in the FA Cup replay this week. So, do you expect a reaction from them?
“Definitely. But it's not about them. It's about our mentality. It's about our approach to the game. And of course it's about our plan and how we execute the plan. So, we have to play to our max to find the right levels, to give this performance and to get a win.”

And what's the team news for the trip to Villa Park? Are any of the other absentees close to a return?
“Aaron Wan-Bissaka was on the [training] pitch, but then he dropped out and I don't know in this moment what is the diagnosis and what that means for Sunday. Ty Malacia [and] Mason Mount are not returning yet. They are training very hard. They are getting closer. They are not back on the team training. And of course Licha Martinez dropped out. We will miss him for a couple of weeks, I think, definitely in this block until the international window starts, he will not be there. But we have a good squad and we have many players who can fill in that position, and it is up to them to bring the right levels and to help the team to contribute to a winning team.”

And how is Licha? Because all fans were disappointed, were sad for him because he just got back in the team, just got fit. He’s such a wonderful character, such a great player. How is he? Is he coping okay with the injury news?
“He has to, but it's very frustrating for him, for me, for the team. But that's football and you have to deal with such setbacks as a team, as a club and also Licha as an individual he has to deal with it, how sad this also is. But already after a couple of days he knows where he is and he's there to fight and he doesn't want to miss one day of his recovery. So every game he wants to play. So when he works very good, he can return quickly.”

Luckily, you've got a lot of good centre-halves competing for places. So how much does that help you knowing that you've got quality and depth?
“Luckily we have and we have, I think, very good players who can replace him and will replace him and will contribute and help the team.”

One of our favourite pictures from last weekend's win over West Ham was the three young players together Garnacho, Hojlund and Mainoo. How happy are you with the way they're handling the pressure, the expectation of wearing that badge?
“Yeah, I think it's a very short period that they show it, they show potential but they have to take every game to bring them in a high level. And yeah, they have done it now in some games, it's Premier League. But now they have to do it against better opposition like Sunday. There is a top-four team, can they do it? And that is their challenge. Can they do it in that game? Can they make the difference in that game? And to help the team win.”

That's a great challenge for them. For you, you welcomed Robin van Persie onto the training ground as he's learning his coaching. Is it important to keep the door open to aid former players? And what's it been like to have Robin around?
“So, every player for Manchester United from the past is welcome. And we want to help them. We go to serve them and so for his pro licence and to learn, it's good to have him around here. I hope he has carried a lot of information which helps him and for the future, but of course, also to pass his pro licence.”

He's been good around the place? He's a good guy…

“It's great to have such, say, icons of Manchester United around. And as I said, also others are very welcome. We want to help them. I think we have a lot of experience here and a lot of competencies. So then we can learn from each other. And so, we are happy to do this.”