Ten Hag seeking to end 2023 on a high
Erik ten Hag wants to cap off his first full year in charge at Manchester United on a high, as we face an 'energised' Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday.
United came back from two goals down to memorably beat high-flying Aston Villa on Boxing Day and Ten Hag is proud of how his team continues to deal with setbacks this season.
Now, as we prepare for a 66th and final game of a gruelling year, the boss sets his sights on a Forest side who will also be buoyant, following an unexpected win at Newcastle under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo...
Matchday Q&A: Ten Hag on Nottingham Forest (A)
Matchday Q&A | Erik ten Hag explains what he wants to see as United seek to end 2023 on a high note...
Erik, it was a memorable comeback win on Boxing Day. Does that once again show the togetherness of your team?
“The determination, the resilience: this team is strong. They have the personalities to deal with setbacks. And we have had so many across the whole season, or half. You don't want to have such bad experiences, but we have had them and we have dealt with them.”
Rasmus’s goal and his celebration afterwards were fantastic to see. How has he been since?
“Of course every striker is there to produce goals. That is their responsibility and everyone knew he was capable of it. The squad knew, because he has demonstrated ability [in the] Champions League, he did it for Denmark. It was just a matter of time and I'm sure that now one is in, more will come.”
What's the team news ahead of the trip to Nottingham Forest?
“We have the same squad as we had against Villa and yeah, it's a tough game, we know that. We have to play our best football, we know that. But that is what we are preparing for.”
And how do you assess them and perhaps their change of style with the new manager?
“Yeah, they have taken confidence of course from the win against Newcastle. That is a massive win for them and now they want to go for a win in their stadium. They will be energised, no matter what. So we have to play our best and we have to play our game. To make that, we need the best performance.”
How important is it to finish the year strongly?
“Absolutely. We want to give our fans, in the last game of the year, a win. And we have to give everything. We have to take the responsibility once again. So we need an investment from everyone around because there are no easy games in the Premier League, but definitely not this one.”