Ten Hag: We must take responsibility on the pitch

The Reds are still firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish this term, with Newcastle United and Liverpool also battling for a place in next season's UEFA Champions League

Ahead of our final away match of the 2022/23 campaign against the Cherries, United know three points are a virtual necessity on the south-coast.

Gary O'Neil's side have recently confirmed their top-flight survival but could prove tricky opponents after recent wins over Liverpool and Tottenham.

Erik was quizzed on a range of topics as he sat down with club media ahead of our latest domestic encounter, with every word from the boss now available for you to read below...

Erik, we saw Marcus and Scott training again earlier this week. Are they available for the weekend?
“We are really happy at them returning to the training ground, they both did well. This morning Marcus reported ill. We have to see how he will recover during the day and tomorrow. Of course, we hope he will be there so just wait and we will see. And Scott, yeah if the final training goes well, he will join the squad. I will select him.”

Bournemouth have turned their season around since January. They’ve beaten the likes of Liverpool and Spurs to guarantee safety, so what are you expecting from them in their final home game?
“Yeah, it will be a team full of energy. They know they are in the Premier League, it is huge, massive for them. A great performance and they have a great season, so they will be full of energy and we have to be ready for that.”

It’s our final away game of the season, so how determined is everyone to go out on a high and give the travelling United fans a cause for celebration on the long trip back to Manchester?
“Yeah, we know what we have to do, we know what the demand is. We know we have to win, so it’s all about that. Get the focus, get the energy, make a good gameplan and take the responsibility on the pitch.”

We opened the voting for our Player of the Year this week. Obviously there are still important games to play but has anyone stood out for you?
“That’s a very difficult question. I think for everyone, it’s a difficult answer, because we have many players who have performed outstandingly. I can call four or five players who deserve it. It’s difficult, I don’t want to do it. I leave it to the fans!”

The Goal of the Season vote is open as well. I know there’s been a lot of talk about us needing to be more clinical in front of goal but we have scored 100 in all competitions, which is a pretty good return?
“I think it’s very good. I saw a stat which said we are the fifth-most scoring team in Europe, all across Europe, so I don’t think it’s a problem. We create definitely very good chances and we know also we have to be more clinical, but still we scored a lot of goals. And I think we scored a lot of good team goals. I think on Saturday against Wolves, the [goal for] 1-0 was an example. Many players were involved to score that goal. It was about building up from the back. A goal that is still in my head is a goal against Arsenal, the goal from Antony dos Santos. It was such a great team goal where I think almost all the players on the pitch touched it before we scored a goal.”

Just finally, it’s been announced Phil Jones will leave the club in the summer after 12 years of service. Unfortunately he’s not been able to play for you because of injury but he’s a popular figure in the dressing room. I presume everyone at the club wishes him well in the future?
“Definitely. He has had a great career at Man United. He won the Premier League, won the FA Cup, won the Europa League and he was present in two World Cups, so a huge career and all the respect, all the credit. I think he can look back with a really good feeling about his career and I wish him all the best for the future.”