Ten Hag: It all went to plan

Tuesday 10 January 2023 23:17

Erik ten Hag was happy with his Manchester United side in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Charlton Athletic.

The boss feels the game could have been made safe earlier but is delighted to continue his winning run in domestic cup competitions and make it through to the two-legged semi-finals.

Here is what he had to say afterwards to MUTV, Radio Five Live and Talksport...

Ten Hag: We should have scored more Video

Ten Hag: We should have scored more

Erik ten Hag gives his thoughts on the 3-0 win over Charlton which has seen us through to the semi-finals...

JOB DONE

"I said before we have to reach the semi-finals and we did the job. We had to finish the game early on but, in the end, the objective was getting to the semi-final so compliments to the team. The only thing I'm not happy with is we had to finish the game early on, finish the scoring chances or take an extra pass. I think we had great chances with Diogo Dalot and Fred, with the free-kick. We had good opportunities, especially on the left side, also on the right side. Alejandro Garnacho created a lot, there was also a great save from the goalie, don't forget, at the end. We didn't allow them too much and, if there was something, Tom Heaton was there."

PLANNED SUBS

"That was the plan [to bring on Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford] before the game, to bring them on the stay in the rhythm for the coming games. That was good. The subs have to be ready and you've seen again today, all the subs were ready to contribute."

 

ELEMENT OF FRUSTRATION?

"I am never frustrated. I know this is a good opponent and they defend well, they have good organisation, they’re tough and they fight for their lives and that’s good. I like the opponent, the way they act, I think it is a big compliment of them. But still, I think we have to finish this game, when we have a little bit better overview, I think we take the extra pass, we should have scored more in the first half and also the second half."

CREDIT TO HOLDEN

“I think he [Dean Holden] can be really proud of his team and their performance was really well. And, as a team, they fight for each other and have good organisation. So that is a credit for the coach.”

INJURY UPDATE

“Diogo Dalot went off before half-time. We have to wait, I think it is not serious but it was a precaution to get him off and not take a risk when we have, on Saturday, an important game [against Manchester City at Old Trafford]. We have to see how it develops in the coming hours and then we have to make a clear decision. And Donny van de Beek, we are still doing some final investigations and when we have that, we will update you.”

Maguire: We got the job done Video

Maguire: We got the job done

There are areas for improvement but Harry Maguire says United are happy to reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup...

RASHFORD'S RUN

"I have said many times, when he brings himself in the position, when the team brings him in the position, one-on-ones, he will score. And that is what he is doing in this moment. So, if he keeps the focus and putting the same effort in, he will keep continuing scoring."

ANY UPDATE ON WOUT WEGHORST SPECULATION?

"No, unfortunately I can't."

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