Erik: We have to play our game at Forest
Erik ten Hag has urged his Manchester United players to ‘play our game’ ahead of a tough trip to The City Ground this afternoon (Sunday 16:30 BST).
The Dutchman wants the Reds to control and dictate proceedings when we go head-to-head with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Speaking exclusively to club media ahead of that game, Ten Hag discussed team news, the history of Forest and how beating them there in the Carabao Cup can give us a confidence boost.
Watch our interview below or scroll on to read every word...
Speaking exclusively to club media ahead of that game, Ten Hag discussed team news, the history of Forest and how beating them there in the Carabao Cup can give us a confidence boost.
Watch our interview below or scroll on to read every word...
Matchday Q&A: Ten Hag previews Forest [A] Video
Matchday Q&A: Ten Hag previews Forest [A]
Erik discusses team news, Forest's rich history, and our approach for today's game in his matchday Q&A...
Erik, I know the luck was really against us in that second half on Thursday night. But in the first half, we played some beautiful football, with some great performances. How much positivity can you take from that first half?
“Of course. I think it's good you bring it up. There were a lot of positives in this game, I think until the 81st minute we controlled the game. In the 81st minute, we created a big chance and it should have been three nil, but also before that we had our chances to make it three. We didn't and then we lost focus, we made mistakes and the opponent benefited from it; although we made the goals by ourselves and that’s a big lesson.”
I appreciate it's too early [on Friday afternoon] to shed any light on the injury news but how much of a test is this now for your squad and its resilience to step up and cover for the injured players?
“When players drop out, others have to step in and therefore you have a squad. It's not always easy to not always be a starter, but when your time's coming, you have to show it. And you have to show the demands of a big club like Manchester United if you want to be here. Other players will now get their opportunities and they have to take them and they have to contribute to the team and to make the season a success.”
“Of course. I think it's good you bring it up. There were a lot of positives in this game, I think until the 81st minute we controlled the game. In the 81st minute, we created a big chance and it should have been three nil, but also before that we had our chances to make it three. We didn't and then we lost focus, we made mistakes and the opponent benefited from it; although we made the goals by ourselves and that’s a big lesson.”
I appreciate it's too early [on Friday afternoon] to shed any light on the injury news but how much of a test is this now for your squad and its resilience to step up and cover for the injured players?
“When players drop out, others have to step in and therefore you have a squad. It's not always easy to not always be a starter, but when your time's coming, you have to show it. And you have to show the demands of a big club like Manchester United if you want to be here. Other players will now get their opportunities and they have to take them and they have to contribute to the team and to make the season a success.”
You travel to Nottingham Forest next and they're fighting for their lives. Does that make them more dangerous as an opponent?
“Every game in this stage of the season is a danger because in all the games the opponents are more expansive. And definitely for Nottingham Forest. They are battling to not get relegated so we have to be aware of it and we have to match that. So it's going to be a tough opponent, a tough game but we have to win and when we play our best football, we have a good opportunity to win there.”
We won there in the Carabao Cup which must give you a reference point for the weekend’s game…
“Yes, of course, we take confidence [from that] as well. But the game [starts at] 0-0 and we have to do it all over again. But the evidence shows we can do it.”
Forest had a fantastic team back in the 70s and 80s, winning the European Cup twice. They had a great Dutch player in the 80s, Johnny Metgod, and a wonderful manager in Brian Clough. How much are you aware of their history and some of the great players they've had?
“I know that great song they have! Winning the Champions League twice, in '79 and '80. What you mentioned there, they had a great manager with Brian Clough, they had a great team in those days and have a big history, and they want to get back. It's good that traditional clubs are back in the Premier League.”
“Every game in this stage of the season is a danger because in all the games the opponents are more expansive. And definitely for Nottingham Forest. They are battling to not get relegated so we have to be aware of it and we have to match that. So it's going to be a tough opponent, a tough game but we have to win and when we play our best football, we have a good opportunity to win there.”
We won there in the Carabao Cup which must give you a reference point for the weekend’s game…
“Yes, of course, we take confidence [from that] as well. But the game [starts at] 0-0 and we have to do it all over again. But the evidence shows we can do it.”
Forest had a fantastic team back in the 70s and 80s, winning the European Cup twice. They had a great Dutch player in the 80s, Johnny Metgod, and a wonderful manager in Brian Clough. How much are you aware of their history and some of the great players they've had?
“I know that great song they have! Winning the Champions League twice, in '79 and '80. What you mentioned there, they had a great manager with Brian Clough, they had a great team in those days and have a big history, and they want to get back. It's good that traditional clubs are back in the Premier League.”
Ten Hag offers update on four Reds
ArticleThe boss discussed Varane and Martinez, plus McTominay and Shaw in the press conference for Sunday's trip to Forest.
Our last Premier League game there at The City Ground was the famous 8-1 win. Steve McClaren was the assistant to Sir Alex for the first time in that game. Has he spoken to you about that game at all, have you had a chance, or do you remember that game at all?
“He didn't mention it, as he never does about his big performances! But it's because he knows football is not about history, football is about the future. So we leave history behind, take lessons from it, and look to the future. We have to go again and we will go again.”
Just on The City Ground, one of the old traditional football grounds, we've experienced it in the cup, but in the league, it should generate a fantastic atmosphere which your team will have to be ready for…
“You don't play against the audience, but don't heat up the crowd. We have to be aware of it and take that into the game and play our game and control and dictate the game. That has to be our approach from the first minute onwards.”
“He didn't mention it, as he never does about his big performances! But it's because he knows football is not about history, football is about the future. So we leave history behind, take lessons from it, and look to the future. We have to go again and we will go again.”
Just on The City Ground, one of the old traditional football grounds, we've experienced it in the cup, but in the league, it should generate a fantastic atmosphere which your team will have to be ready for…
“You don't play against the audience, but don't heat up the crowd. We have to be aware of it and take that into the game and play our game and control and dictate the game. That has to be our approach from the first minute onwards.”
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