Every word from Erik's press conference
Erik ten Hag faced reporters on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of Manchester United's trip to Leicester City on Thursday.
The Reds are aiming to make it three Premier League wins in a row when we face the Foxes, who are currently bottom of the table having drawn one and lost three of their opening four games.
Incoming and outgoing transfers were naturally a huge part of the conversation, with the summer transfer window closing at 23:00 BST tomorrow, but here's everything Ten Hag said at Carrington earlier...
Part one: Ten Hag's Leicester press conference
Press conference, part one | See how Ten Hag addressed journalists ahead of the match against Leicester...
Erik, can you just explain where the situation is with Antony and also what you see in him, having worked with him at Ajax? What do you think will make him a success at Manchester United?
“First we have to sign him. So there’s agreement between the clubs but the paperwork is not done, so I cannot go too deep in that fact.”
OK, but would he hopefully fill the position that you think is important?
“Offence and offensive departments still we need to strengthen that squad, our squad because we have many games to cover. From now on we go in three games a week, every third or fourth day. As you know especially from offensive players they are quicker [to] fatigue because they have to run more, they have high intensity. We expect that from them in our way of play. So we need numbers there but not only numbers. We don’t need only quantity, we need quality.”
We’re led to believe Martin Dubravka is also likely to sign for the club before the deadline. If that deal is done will that be the end of the signings for Manchester United or could you sign someone else?
“I think so. For this window it will be the end. But when there is great opportunity you have to always be alert as a top club.”
Erik where does this leave Cristiano Ronaldo with Antony’s incoming? Clearly he wants to play, does this restrict his gametime more? Is he still part of the plans?
“Clear. Of course. What I just said, we need quality players and you need more to cover all the games to keep also the consistency going. That is what we strive for.”
Ten Hag provides team news update
ArticleThe boss discusses Victor Lindelof and Anthony Martial ahead of the Leicester game.
I know you said to Simon there that might be it, but is Aaron Wan-Bissaka still part of your plans? There’s talk of Sergino Dest coming in from Barcelona who you know of course from Ajax?
“Of course, Aaron is still [in my plans]. He will keep and he will stay in so this squad we will go from September to minimum January but we will play with this squad this season.”
Just on your upturn in fortunes the last two games. It’s the same players, has that purely been down to a change in attitude and commitment and drive that you’ve instilled in them?
“I see it as a start. I think now we have a good base, but this is the minimum what we have to bring. I was happy to see that turn and we have to keep this spirit and to keep this winning mentality because you need it if you want to get a successful season. You need it in the squad.”
Ten Hag's transfer update
ArticleThe boss provides the latest updates on Antony, Dubravka and Wan-Bissaka.
Erik how are you looking squad-wise? Is Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial, either of them available for this game?
“Victor Lindelof is training with the team, we will see today how far he is but just one session he was in. He was two, three weeks out. Martial is not available.”
Going back to Antony, do you know how long it’s going to take for that transfer to be completed and all the paperwork done?
“No. I don’t know.”
Would you hope to have him available for the weekend?
“I hope, but as I say… it has to be done because then the window is closed.”
How about Leicester then, it seems a surprise to many people that they’ve started the season the way they have and that they’re bottom of the Premier League table. How wary do you need to be about them producing a reaction to their start on Thursday?
“I’ve seen a couple of games and also we knew from the last seasons how good they are. I think you can also see that in the games they’ve played until now. The identity is really good to see. They play really good football, so we have to be really good to get a result there.”