We have not heard much from Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle United.
While Eddie Howe has addressed the press and provided an injury update on Sven Botman and shared the latest regarding Sandro Tonali, the Manchester United boss has not spoke.
He elected not to do a pre-match press conference ahead of the game, just like he did in the previous round of the Carabao Cup – which his side won last season.
Erik Ten Hag is in a difficult moment, having witnessed his side lose 3-0 to Manchester City at the weekend. They were described as a ‘shambles’ by Gary Neville, and will be desperate to respond tonight.
When they walk out at Old Trafford, they will face a Newcastle squad that is crippled with injuries. However, Howe will still put out a team that he is confident can win at Old Trafford as they look for revenge following last season’s Carabao Cup final.
Erik ten Hag comments ahead of Manchester United vs Newcastle United
While Ten Hag has not spoke to the press, his programme notes have been published on Man United’s official website, where he gave his honest verdict on Newcastle and reflected on the 2023 League Cup final.
“As we welcome Eddie Howe and Newcastle United to Old Trafford, our focus moves back to the Carabao Cup and a reminder of how well we did to win this competition last season,” he wrote.
“Our game management throughout that cup run, especially in the final against Newcastle, showed our ability to rise to big occasions – and Wednesday night is definitely another big occasion for us.
“We always want to do as well as we possibly can in every competition we enter. We know how good it feels to lift this trophy and, as holders, we want to get back to Wembley Stadium again this season and defend the Carabao Cup.
“Against a strong opponent we know that we will have to be at our very best if we want to progress in this competition.
“This is cup football and there is no second chance if we don’t perform on the night.”
No Newcastle dig from Ten Hag this time
He has only been Manchester United boss for a year, but Ten Hag already has a frosty relationship with Toon fans. He criticised Eddie Howe’s side on a couple of occasions last season, much to the fury of the Newcastle manager and supporters.
But there is no criticism on this occasion, as he admits that Newcastle are a ‘strong’ team. Hopefully he is proven correct and the Magpies can dump his side out of the Carabao Cup.
The 2023 final was a difficult day for Newcastle. It was full of emotion and joy, but the performance on the pitch did not live up to expectation. As Ten Hag says, his team managed the occasion perfectly and it was a big reason why they got their hands on the trophy.
Newcastle have a chance to get revenge tonight, and inflict further misery on Ten Hag in the process.
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