Ten Hag: United up for City challenge

The manager says he will go to the Etihad Stadium with a "good gameplan" as the Reds look to avenge the defeat at Old Trafford earlier in the campaign.

Despite a lengthy injury list, which shows no sign of easing ahead of Sunday, Ten Hag has faith in his players and insists he can sense the squad is ready for a tough test against Pep Guardiola's title chasers. 

When asked at his press conference how he will convince the players that they can get a result at the weekend, Ten Hag replied: "Our form. We are also in a good run.

"This period is very good, we are united. We are in togetherness and [we will] make a good gameplan. We have done it before against City and also, lately, against Liverpool, so we will prepare well.

"The players are ready for it and looking forward to it. I can smell it. I am around here and speak with the players, so we are really enjoying [it] and looking forward and excited."

The goalless draw at Anfield should certainly provide confidence that the Reds can stifle the free-flowing Blues, who are still a point adrift of league leaders Liverpool.

The boss was also asked what he has learned from previous derby fixtures, which include a memorable 2-1 home victory in January 2023.

"We did it in several ways, many ways, to be successful," he said. "So, from all the games, we look back. We had the opportunity to win one time and you need a great day.

"That is also what we know so the players have to give the best performances."