Man United need to work on in-game mentality, says Erik ten Hag

LONDON – Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag knows what the problem with his team is and he is eager to rectify it ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Brighton & Hove Albion at Wembley.

The Dutchman said on Friday that his players need to build a stronger mentality and learn to recover from setbacks during games, following their 3-0 Europa League quarter-final second-leg capitulation against Sevilla on Thursday.

Specifically, he felt that the team had the ability to respond to setbacks during the season when they have had time to regroup after defeats, but were struggling to find a way back on the pitch when things do not go to plan.

“We can’t deny it, it’s mental, definitely. We have to learn that you keep going, you carry on,” he said.

“What this team can do very well is bounce back in between games, what they can do less is bounce back during a game to a setback. That is what we have to improve.”

Harry Maguire’s error led to an early goal for Sevilla and the defender’s performance came under the microscope again as United exited the Europa League 5-2 on aggregate.

But ten Hag said the 30-year-old remained a key member of his squad, despite strong rumours that the club want to offload him in the summer.

“He has an important role, he is the captain, he leads, he communicates with the manager, motivates the team, he’s the example in the training space,” the United boss said.

Maguire – who is suspended for the FA Cup – was not the only player to be criticised after the defeat and amid reports of a clear-out in the close season, ten Hag added that he was focused only on the current campaign.

“I’m thinking about improving this team and these players, that’s my job with the coaching staff and the players. We have all our focus on this process and not on other processes that will distract you,” he said.

“I know this group of players can do better, they’ve proved it so many times this season. We’ve made huge progress during the season, but we have steps to go. We have a lot of games to play and occasions to prove it.”

Striker Anthony Martial was forced off the field after yet another injury against Sevilla, while left-back Luke Shaw – who is set to take the place of Maguire alongside Victor Lindelof with first-choice centre-backs Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane injured – suffered a knock.

Ten Hag has no updates on the fitness of both players, saying: “It’s difficult, in this moment, we have to wait.”

It will be no easy task on Sunday as Brighton have had an impressive Premier League season. The Seagulls are eighth in the standings on 49 points and are surprise outsiders to qualify for the Champions League.

They are seven points behind fourth-placed Newcastle with a game in hand. Tottenham (53), in fifth, have played two matches more and sixth-placed Aston Villa (51) have played three more. United are third on 59 points.

Brighton also beat Liverpool, seventh in the league on 50 points, en route to the FA Cup semi-finals.

Manager Roberto de Zerbi has urged his players to embrace the occasion and make it all the way to the final. “We have to love the pressure,” the Italian said. “We have to get used to it.

“Playing these types of games is an honour and I have no doubts about my team. We are excited. We want to play with our DNA.

“Since working in the UK, you understand the importance of the FA Cup. It’s special.

“Manchester United are one of the best teams in the UK. If you want to improve and become better, you have to play this type of game.”

He also refused to rule out goalkeeper Jason Steele, defender Joel Veltman and striker Evan Ferguson, who have all suffered injuries, for the match.

“The situation on injuries is not clear. We will see.” REUTERS