While maintaining his playing cards near his chest, Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag insisted he has an “idea” that may assist his crew get the higher of Barcelona in its blockbuster conflict within the Europa League on Thursday.
United and Barca, two of essentially the most profitable sides in world soccer, placed on fairly the present within the first leg of their knockout stage playoff final week, regardless of enjoying in a contest neither are usually present in.
The 2-2 draw was exhilarating, typifying how a lot each groups have improved below their respective managers. Ten Hag is just not resting on his laurels and is relishing maintaining United competing for 4 trophies, with a League Cup ultimate to return on Sunday.
“What we do different you will see tomorrow on the pitch,” Ten Hag instructed a news convention on Wednesday. “We have an idea.
“We all want to play big games, big matches. When we were young, we dreamed of it. We are really enjoying it, we are really looking forward and enjoying it. We have to give our best.
“It is not about (us getting) credit, it is about trophies. The next focus is always on the next game. We have to keep in the same mindset that every day we want to give a better version of ourselves.”
United completed with its lowest ever Premier League factors tally final season (58) and has not received a trophy since 2017, however Ten Hag has shortly restored hope, with the 20-time prime flight champions simply 5 factors behind league chief Arsenal.
Speaking on the identical news convention, defender Raphael Varane, who was a part of United’s faltering facet final season, defined the adjustments which have been made this time round.
“I think first of all it is the confidence,” Varane mentioned. “Secondly, it is discipline. Tactically we know exactly how we want to play, to manage the game.
“With a little bit more experience and the mentality of competition we have already improved a lot, and that is maybe the difference.”
Ten Hag additionally added that captain Harry Maguire and Brazilian ahead Antony have returned to health and will function in opposition to Barca, however French striker Anthony Martial continues to be out.
