Manchester United

Erik ten Hag lavishes praise on Manchester United squad

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 28 February 2023

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag hails the strength of his squad at Old Trafford ahead of Wednesday's FA Cup fifth-round contest with West Ham United.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has hailed the strength of his squad at Old Trafford, as the Red Devils continue to chase a quadruple this season.

The 20-time English champions won their first trophy in six years on Sunday afternoon by beating Newcastle United 2-0 in the final of the EFL Cup.

Man United are now preparing to take on West Ham United in the fifth round of the FA Cup, while they will face Real Betis in the last-16 stage of the Europa League next month.

The Red Devils are also going well in the Premier League this season, sitting third in the table, eight points behind leaders Arsenal with 14 matches left to play.

Ten Hag has said that the strength of his squad was again on display against Newcastle, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Marcel Sabitzer, Scott McTominay, Jadon Sancho and Harry Maguire featuring off the bench at Wembley.

Manchester United players celebrate Casemiro's goal against Newcastle United on February 26, 2023 © Reuters

"Let's make myself clear, we didn't win with 11 players, we did win with a squad, and I think the squad is already, the whole season, so important," Ten Hag told reporters.

"Every time players are coming in [to play], if it's for the whole game, for minutes or a couple of games, I think also during games we can change the dynamics.

"We do it with many more than 11 players, so I count on them, and I know they will be ready because every time players play games, they take responsibility and it's about that.

"Take responsibility, but also you have to fight for your position. We have great months ahead of us, also great games and I think everyone wants to play games. The players who form the best teams will play."

Ten Hag also commented on whether he believed that the back-to-back losses to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford at the start of the campaign had played an important role in the development of the team.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag celebrates after the match on February 23, 2023 © Reuters

"I know from previous jobs that it takes time before you get into a way of play, before you get into the rules and principles," the head coach added.

"You get routines in a team and time is not always going with the right results. The results were not there at the start of the season, I didn't panic because I know it's part of the process and you can find out, you learn a lot in those weeks.

"When you lose, it's not nice. You hate to lose, also you get some good lessons and a lot of view [on] what are the opportunities, what are the deficits, so you can work on that and your way of play."

Ten Hag also said during his press conference that Anthony Martial would again be missing against West Ham due to a hip injury, while Luke Shaw and Fred had emerged as fitness doubts.