Every word from Ten Hag's pre-Bournemouth press conference

The Reds secured a third consecutive win since the domestic restart when we beat Wolves 1-0 away from home on Saturday (31 December). Marcus Rashford came off the bench in that game to score the winner, continuing his fine form and sealing victory for the Reds in the process.

Ahead of the Cherries' visit, our first of two home matches this week, Erik ten Hag answered questions from the media.

From Luke Shaw's role at the back to the latest team news, find out what the Dutchman said to reporters in the first part of his pre-match press conference...

Erik, can you talk through your defence at the moment? You’ve played two games with Luke Shaw as the left-sided centre-half. Harry Maguire has been sat on the bench, you’ve got Martinez coming back. How do you see all of that fitting together?
“Of course you have your ideas, and a plan, but sometimes it changes by circumstances like illnesses from Harry [Maguire] and from Victor [Lindelof]. Normally they should have started in the games we just played, but then Casemiro did well as a centre-half, Luke Shaw against Forest did very good, and also you look into the game plan, the way we have to approach Wolves, and I thought it was the best match with Rapha [Varane] and Luke. Especially defending wise, we know the speed from Wolves over on the right side, and he [Shaw] could cover that because we want to attack over on the left side with offensive game from Tyrell Malacia so that was a good fit. And also in possession, you always - with a left foot - get better angles on the pitch.” 

Do you think Luke could play in that position a lot? I know you’ve got Martinez, and he is an excellent player, but do you think that is a role that he can play in often? 
“We have seen the last two games. I think he did fabulous and was impressing, but we know also he is really good as a left full-back but it’s an extra option and [that] is always good for a team.”

Erik, you said the team lacked focus and a few other things ahead of this game. How do you solve that ahead of Bournemouth? 
“I think already in half-time [against Wolves] I solved it. I saw a different approach in the second half and it was more investment, there was more focus, more aggression, we had better organisation in the second half and I think we created even more chances and I think the win was also well deserved.” 

In terms of players missing today, Scott McTominay, Lisandro Martinez, are you expecting them to be back for the next match? 
“We have to see. Both were training yesterday and today, so I am quite optimistic about [them] returning to the squad, both of them.”

And Diogo Dalot as well?
“Diogo Dalot also, he is making good progress - but we don’t want to take risks with anyone because we know there are many games to come and we need a full squad to cover all the games.”