Erik ten Hag says Manchester United aren’t able to underestimate any opponent as his stumbling aspect look to maintain their hopes of silverware alive in Sunday’s FA Cup conflict at Newport.
This has been a difficult second season within the hotseat for the Dutchman, whose aspect languish eighth within the Premier League and had been eradicated from European competitors earlier than Christmas.
United’s Carabao Cup defence can also be lengthy since over, which means the FA Cup takes on further significance as their solely potential path to a trophy in a disappointing marketing campaign.
A watchful eye #MUFC || #FACup pic.twitter.com/v92zo0KuVq
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 27, 2024
“It’s the reality,” Ten Hag stated. “However it’s true that the league, in fact, (presents) qualification for the Champions League.
“However the FA Cup most likely is, it’s truth, the final alternative for a trophy, so we might go for it.”
FA Cup glory could be a welcome shot within the arm for a membership that’s getting ready to undergo an enormous transition below Ineos, who’re set to take management of soccer operations subsequent month.
Incoming minority proprietor Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a bloody-minded concentrate on enhancements throughout the board and this competitors may present the platform for under-scrutiny Ten Hag to impress.
United have a kind-looking fourth-round project at Newport, however there is no such thing as a likelihood of complacency seeping in in opposition to the mid-table League Two outfit.
“Additionally within the Netherlands we’ve got a cup and likewise we additionally play in opposition to lower-class groups,” Ten Hag stated of Sunday’s journey to South Wales.
“I do know all the time if you go as an enormous membership to a decrease class workforce, how it is going to be and the way you must method that.
“Positively us, we’re positively not able to underestimate any opponent, so we is not going to do.”
By “decrease class” Ten Hag appears to imply decrease league, with Newport the bottom ranked aspect he has confronted in any competitors since taking cost at Previous Trafford.
It is usually a uncommon away day after the third-round journey to League One outfit Wigan earlier this month ended a run of dwelling attracts in home cups that stretched all through his total reign.
Rodney Parade is way completely different to the DW Stadium, a former Premier League floor, however Ten Hag is assured his gamers will cope.
That features summer time signing Altay Bayindir, who he confirmed will lastly make his United debut between the sticks at Newport.
“You could have been in Fenerbahce?” Ten Hag stated when requested if he has any ideas about selecting the 25-year-old Turkey worldwide given the particular challenges of such a tie.
“The stress can also be in Turkey, that’s huge stress all the time, additionally for the nationwide workforce, so he is aware of the right way to take care of that.”
Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro are in competition for Sunday’s sport, however Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans are doubts having reported unwell on Friday.
Andre Onana and Sofyan Amrabat stay on the Africa Cup of Nations, whereas Mason Mount, Anthony Martial, Tyrell Malacia and Victor Lindelof are sidelined.
