Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is confident about his team’s upcoming Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, reflecting on the improvements made since last season. “Last season we lost 4-0 away to Palace in May, totally deserved but Saturday will be different,” Ten Hag stated. He highlighted the depth in his squad this time around, saying, “I don’t compare situations. From February onwards we had to find 11 players to construct a team. Now it is 18, and we can pick one.”
🚨🚨🎙️| Erik ten Hag on #mufc's 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in May:
"It was a 4-0, totally deserved, but Saturday will be different. I don't compare (situations). From February onwards, we had to find 11 players to construct a team. Now it is 18, and we can pick one." pic.twitter.com/A8ecRuKmDM
— centredevils. (@centredevils) September 19, 2024
The Dutch manager also provided positive updates on Rasmus Højlund and Mason Mount, who have returned to training. “It’s very good news they are back on the pitch! They are back in team training” Ten Hag said. However, he remains cautious about their readiness for Saturday’s game, adding, “We have to decide whether they are fit enough to start, but it is very pleasing they are fit and back in the squad.”
Ten Hag praised Marcus Rashford after his recent performances in the EFL Cup, where United thrashed Barnsley 7-0 on Tuesday. Rashford scored twice and assisted another goal. “Very good, of course, your striker starting to score when the season is very young. Strikers need that belief. Very good for the team. It will strengthen their belief” Ten Hag remarked.
As for Antony, who also scored in the Barnsley match, Ten Hag emphasized the need for players to maintain their form in training to earn their place in the lineup. “Every player should give those reactions, same as he had on Tuesday night. You have to train hard, you have to perform in training, you have to earn the right to play, and when the moment is your chance, you have to take them” he said.