Key quotes from Erik's pre-Newcastle press conference
Erik ten Hag says the importance of Bruno Fernandes to his Manchester United team is clear for all to see.
The Reds captain is a doubt for Wednesday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United at Old Trafford, but the boss was asked about the Portugal international's influence on his side ahead of our meeting with the Magpies.
As well as Bruno, Erik discussed Raphael Varane - who announced on Tuesday morning that he will depart the club at the end of the season - Rasmus Hojlund, and more.
Read the standout quotes from Ten Hag's press conference below...
Part one: Press conference v Newcastle United
Press conference part one | Ten Hag discusses Hojlund, Fernandes and the fans ahead of our final home game of 2023/24...
"We plan [for] him definitely for the last games. Not tomorrow, but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game [The FA Cup final]."
WE RECRUITED CORRECTLY
"So last season, we had a goalscorer with 30. So we add one extra striker [Rasmus Hojlund] to our squad. And also from financial resources, more wasn't possible. We were quite confident when you are third in the league and you are in two finals and you win one final and then you add one striker, I think in your transfer policy you do right."
BRUNO'S INFLUENCE
"I think that it is clear. He is, also now, but I think in all the years, I think he was a tremendously important player for Manchester United and creating the most chances across the whole Premier League. So many assists, so many goals, it is clear he is a very important player for us."
WE MUST FIGHT HARD
"It is clear that this is a very important game. Look at the ranking [of the table]. It is very important to get the win. We have to put everything in it to get the win and we have to fight hard for it."
THE FANS ARE MAGNIFICENT
"I think at Crystal Palace the fans were so magnificent. They were brilliant. So you said the mood is low, maybe the expectations are lower. But the mood, I don't feel that the mood and the vibe that they create is lower. They make a lot of noise and they back the team at Palace and also on Sunday."