Every word from Erik's pre-Omonia press conference

The Reds trained at the club's Carrington complex prior to Ten Hag's press conference, with the Dutchman jetting off with his players following the media briefing.

Ahead of United's third match of the 2022/23 Europa League campaign, he was quizzed on a host of topics, from the battle between Casemiro and Scott McTominay for a midfield spot to Cristiano Ronaldo's situation.

Below, you can ready every single word the Dutchman said, as the Reds prepare to take on Omonia for the first time in our history...

First of all, Sunday was a difficult day. How have you and the group responded to the disappointment?
"Obviously, it was a difficult day and, as always, we analyse and we do the tough [things]. The reality is it was a reality check, so we have to learn from it and carry on."

At training this morning, there was no Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Aaron-Wan Bissaka or Donny van de Beek. Could you provide us an update on those players please?
"Unavailable for tomorrow."

Will they be available soon?
"Yes, in case of Rapha, I have good hope. Harry will take a little bit longer, and the other two, I cannot give a prognosis."

Erik, I know you've spoken about how Ronaldo wasn't used in the derby. But this has opened up the debate about whether he might go in January. With that in mind, what's your response to those that suggest he will leave the club in January?
"I can't see that relation, that he's not coming on when we are 4-0 down, 5-1 down, 6-1 down and I don't bring him on out of respect. It's nothing to do what's happening for the future, what's happening for January or next year."

Ronaldo is someone who wants to play. What would you gauge about his mood at the moment?
"I don't see he is unhappy. He's happy, he is training well. He's enjoying it and I think everyone is training well. It is a good spirit and vibe in the training so that's not the point but it's important because it is a base to work well."

What contribution do you still see him making this season?
"You know, everyone knows what do you expect from strikers. First, production, and second, in football it's 11. Nowadays in football it's 11 defend, 11 attack. So everyone has to contribute."

You said it was a reality check on Sunday. Was it a reality check for you as well, in terms of the progression of the team and maybe the results looked as though the progression had gone further than it actually had?
"No. I know when you are in a process, it will not go only [your way]. You will have setbacks, and we beat the number one in the league [Arsenal], we beat Liverpool. On Sunday, we had a bad day at the office and we got beat. And in this moment, on that day, City were better. We have to accept that. But what we can't accept is our performance. That was unacceptable."

Erik, it's obviously a long process and we've seen some signs of success. Do you tweak anything in those big games against City and that sort of opposition, or is it just part of the building process that players will need to have these bumps along the way?
"That's what you always do, that you have respect for the opponent. But we will stick to our philosophy. We will stick to our rules and principles. But the tactics, sometimes in your tactics, sometimes to surprise your opponents you have to bring something different and people do, also for the future. But I think what's good, and I think we can have a lot of confidence about this; when you beat Arsenal, when you beat Liverpool, and now we get a reality check with Man City. So we know that we have to step up. Thank you for the lesson, from Pep and City, but we will take that and we have to understand that we have to do things much better."

I just wanted to ask about Casemiro. What more does he have to do to force his way into the United team, and can he use the Europa League games to build his fitness for Premier League football?
"First of all, it doesn't make a difference: Europa League, Premier League. We have to win all the leagues and all the cups. So, we will play tomorrow our best team and we have to construct the team because also we want a competitive culture in our team, in this club. I said already before, it had nothing to do with Casemiro, it was all to do with Scott [McTominay] because when you look at Brentford, he wasn't in the team, and we lose. Then on the day that Casemiro signed, we won. We play six games and we win five. And in five games, [McTominay] played. In one game he didn't, and that was against [Real] Sociedad. So for me, that was logical because it's competition in the team. So, for me, it wasn't a choice. He performed really well, he developed really well and it had nothing to do with Casemiro. But I'm sure Casemiro will play a really important role. We know all his background, we know all the titles he won. You see every day in training, he can contribute in this team and he will be a really important player for this team. So we will see what will happen but I'm convinced that will happen."

Erik, you said Ronaldo is happy, but how can a player of his status and ambition be happy not playing?
"He is not happy that he wasn't playing on Sunday, don't get me wrong. But that wasn't the question. The question was what he is like on the training pitch and what his mood is around [the team]. He is happy. But of course, he wants to play and he is p****d off when he is not playing, clearly."

Just going back to your comment about not playing Ronaldo against City out of respect for his career. I'm a bit confused because it sounds like special treatment for a specific player?
"I think, for me, it is quite obvious. For you, maybe not, but I think also you understand why this is."

Why have him on the bench if you don't intend to use him?
"I think you know why that is. When you are honest, you know there is a difference, but, for me, there is no difference. For me, it is, and let me make myself clear: It's always about you live by the day and you line up the strongest team you have, don't get me wrong. But there are differences. No-one is the same in a team and also the treatment I give everyone is [nothing] but respect. But they all have different backgrounds. And also [their] character, they are different, so also I have to treat players different to get the best out of them. But there are certain general standards and values that count for everyone."

You said that Ronaldo isn't happy not playing, but otherwise he seems happy to you. Does he accept the role he has at the club and does he see himself being part of that for the rest of this season?
"I never talk about what I talk [to the players about]. My conversations with players are between us. That's quite clear.  When you are here and when you are happy, and when you are satisfied being on the bench, this is not the club where you have to be. So, especially Cristiano is a really competitive, as we all know, he is not happy, of course, when he is not playing. But, I already said, and I have to repeat, maybe you didn't hear, he is training well, he has a good mood, he is motivated and he gives his best, and that is what we expect."