Key quotes: Erik's press conference

Key quotes: Erik’s pre-West Ham press conference

Friday 25 October 2024 13:30

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has conducted his pre-match press conference ahead of this Sunday’s Premier League game away to West Ham.

Following Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Fenerbahce in the Europa League, it’s a quick turnaround for the boss and his side, who will travel directly to London after training in Turkey today.

As a result, the boss held his pre-West Ham media briefing in the immediate aftermath of our midweek outing in Istanbul, which you can see the key quotes from below…

Ten Hag's pre-West Ham press conference Video

Press conference | Watch the pre-West Ham section of Erik's latest media briefing, conducted after Thursday's game...

PLANS BEFORE SUNDAY

“We’re staying overnight [on Thursday] and then straight to London, training [on] Saturday. We expect, of course, Bruno [Fernandes] back and, hopefully, also Jonny Evans.”

PLEASED WITH UGARTE

“The [number] six position [defensive midfield] is a key position in the team and he has to learn this position in our game model. I think today it's a step forward, so I'm really pleased with his performance and, from here, he has to build that.

“He came late in the window and then, already, we had to integrate him during the competitions. And that takes time, you have to be patient. As you see, if the quality in that position is not right, it's very difficult for a team to control games, and I don't even speak about dominating games. So again, that position, it's one who brings the quality all the time and we have to integrate them now in this team. And, as I said, I'm pleased with his performance today. From here on, he can build.”

OUR TEAM IS TOUGH

“You see this team is determined. They put in two tough away games, in Porto and today again. This team has character, and this team shows fighting spirit and determination to win games.”

ANTONY’S INJURY

“I haven't seen it, it's only what I have to tell you out of the second hand, so from the doctor and the physio, who told me what they saw. So, first, I have to see the video before I can give comment on this.”

IMPACT OF ABSENTEES

“That holds us back in our levels and also in our position in the league, because when you don't have the players available, you can't line up the best team and that is what's holding us back in this moment. We need more players often available, and then we have to work altogether on this point. That is the players, the coaching staff, all the other staff. We have to do better and to get more available players because we know when we have them, we are a really tough team to play, and when we have them, we can be really, really successful. And that is what we have shown over the last couple of months.”

LAST CHANCE! Hurry, the 25% off home kit deal is ending soon!

Back to Top