Erik Ten Hag Says Manchester United Are Now In A Position To Win Trophies

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has declared that his side are now in a position to win trophies.

United have lifted themselves into the Premier League title race, and now sit just five points behind the leaders Arsenal in the table, and on Sunday will face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

Before then United meet Barcelona on Thursday in the second leg of their Europa League play-off tie at Old Trafford after drawing the first leg 2-2 at the Camp Nou last week.

“We all want to play big games, big matches,” Ten Hag said at a press conference on Wednesday. “When we were young, we dreamed of it, [and] we are now in a position, it’s still February, but big games are coming up and we are really enjoying it, looking forward to it and excited. We have to give our best because we want to match with the best.”

“It is not about credit, it’s about trophies. We have the opportunity [to win one on Sunday], but the first focus point is always the next game and the Europa League.”

“We have to go from game to game as the focus, but especially, you have to keep in the same mindset that every day we want to give a better version of ourselves.”

“When you are facing such big teams as Barcelona, you have to play your best, otherwise you don’t have a chance. So, we want to get through, to get to the next round and we have to give the best performance from this season. We believe in it, we’re looking forward to it, so it gives us a lot of energy.”

At the end of United’s 3-0 win over Leicester City on Sunday Ten Hag could be seen gesticulating to the club’s fans, and imploring them to loudly support the team when they face Barcelona.

“I am totally excited,” Ten Hag said. “Two big, great teams facing each other, at Old Trafford. It will be a massive atmosphere, great ambience. I think it is the best you can get.”

Earlier this week Ten Hag was spotted having dinner with United’s greatest ever manager Sir Alex Ferguson at a restaurant in Wilmslow in Cheshire.

“I always enjoy speaking with people who have a lot of knowledge, have a lot of experience. He wants to share it, he wants to help, he wants to support. You feel Manchester United is his club, he feels so committed and he wants to see us doing well. It was a great night, and I am looking forward to the next night with him.”

Barcelona will be without two of their leading midfielders Gavi and Pedri for the game at Old Trafford. “It’s obvious they are great players,” Ten Hag said. “Although they are very young, they have a positive effect on the game of Barcelona. But also, their squad, there is so much depth in it, they have players who can replace them. There will be a very good team from Barcelona.”

Meanwhile United are set to welcome back Antony and Harry Maguire from minor injuries, but Anthony Martial remains unavailable.

“He’s back on the pitch but not in the team training so we’ll wait for that. What will we do different? You will see on the pitch. We have an idea of course, but of course we can’t tell that now.”