Erik ten Hag has spoken to the media ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League game at home to Omonia.
The Red Devils have taken six points from a possible nine so far in the group stage and have not won in their last three European outings at Old Trafford.
But United head into this one having won their last two matches across all competitions, including in the reverse fixture last Thursday.
Here’s what Ten Hag said at his press conference.
“I want to support him as good as possible. We have a certain demand of him and what we expect of him in certain positions on the pitch. But that is, I want to get the best out of him. Obviously, he is getting in better shape now and I am happy with that, so he can contribute more to the squad. I’m sure he will do.”
“In the start that was definitely the case, and it has proven again that no one can miss a pre-season, because you are [playing catch-up].”
“I have several talks with him about that. It’s disappointing for him. I think for the quality, in all the minutes he played he did very well, even on Sunday. He played well. Good assist for Antony for the first goal and also in the pressing he was very good and I think he was an important factor in we play that well in the first half. But obviously he fell out and that’s a disappointment for him and the team as well.
“Of course [it’s frustrating], I want every player to be available and sometimes I’m disappointed when players are not available because I know we need them. Especially with all the games coming now. But I know when our players are not available you have to deal with the situation. It’s about the players that are available and that’s what I’m [concentrating on].”
“We will see how it develops to Sunday.”
“Harry [Maguire] is out, yeah.
“The longer term ones. Donny van de Beek, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, they are not in the squad.”
“Victor [Lindelof] can play there, Tyrell Malacia can play there. We have options to get players in. We have options there.”
“All the players we have to manage their gametime and that is what I do all the time. That is why we have double positioning, with depth in all the positions, so if we have to rotate. So if we have injuries, if someone loses their best shape, then we replace players. So we have different options and that’s good.”
“He will be training today.”
Credit: 90min.com
