Football: Ten Hag accepts ‘pressure’ that United spending must bring results
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Brazilian duo Antony (left) and Casemiro, from Ajax Amsterdam and Real Madrid respectively, were part of United's £200 million (S$325 million) spend.
PHOTO: AFP
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LONDON – Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said he is aware that his club’s excessive spending in the close season transfer window means there is pressure to secure a top-four finish this term.
United spent more than £200 million (S$325 million) to bring in Brazilian duo Antony and Casemiro from Ajax Amsterdam and Real Madrid respectively, Argentinian World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez also joined from Ajax and Dutch fullback Tyrell Malacia arrived from Feyenoord ahead of the current campaign.
Ten Hag, who took over as coach from Ralf Rangnick in April, has revamped a squad looking to turn things around after their worst-ever Premier League points haul last term. United are fifth in the current standings, three points off the top four.
“I accept how it is, I accept that pressure,” the Dutchman said on Friday, ahead of his side’s Premier League home clash against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
“But also for the manager of Chelsea and of Newcastle United, those clubs who have invested a lot in their squad.
“It’s big pressure for all of us to get into the top four. We want to be in the top four and fighting for trophies, that’s our aim.”
As it stands, Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur occupy the Champions League spots.
It remains unclear whether two players key to United’s attempted transformation – first-choice centre-back pairing Martinez and Raphael Varane – will be available for Tuesday’s clash.
Varane was on the losing side as France succumbed to Argentina in last weekend’s World Cup final, with Martinez watching on from the bench as an unused substitute.
“I can’t answer that question now,” ten Hag said, of Martinez’s potential availability.
“He’s still celebrating in Argentina, in Buenos Aires. He’s on the tour going around in Buenos Aires.
“I can understand that, it’s very emotional, very loaded when you win the World Cup (and bring it) into your country, it’s magnificent. But (Licha) Martinez also has to accept that on the 27th, the Premier League will go on.
“Varane, of course, is disappointed about losing the final but he can also be proud of being in the final again and all that he has achieved in his career is massive, as a team and a player, to win so many trophies.”
Ten Hag also does not expect Jadon Sancho to be available against Forest as he has still not returned to squad training.
The 23-year-old started an individual training programme in the Netherlands four weeks ago – reportedly because of physical and mental concerns – and has not played since United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Oct 22.
United have already played one match since the World Cup final, beating Championship leaders Burnley 2-0 in the League Cup last 16 on Wednesday, so they would have hopefully shaken off the rust.
“We know the restart is five or six days after a World Cup final,” added ten Hag.
“We all know that after a World Cup, the Premier League continues quickly and everyone has to be ready for that.
“You have to accept it for the managers, the coaching staff and also the players. They have to accept it and they want trophies, so we want to have a strong team to battle for the trophies.”
Forest will head into the match in 18th place and manager Steve Cooper is expecting former United forward Jesse Lingard to show up for his team on the big stage.
“I hope we’re all motivated to go to Old Trafford and play well. Jesse was there a long time, so it will be an important day for him,” he said.
“Jesse has experience, he’s played in big occasions before and he’ll know that the best thing to do is to concentrate on the football.
“If he’s selected to play, that’s what he needs to do.” REUTERS
