Erik ten Hag sat down with reporters today ahead of the Europa League clash between Manchester United and Omonia tomorrow night.
Last week they beat the Cypriots 3-2 in a dramatic away game and this week the Reds host them at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman clarified his objectives in Europe saying: “We want to finish number one in the group. Our goal is to win every game, that’s clear. If you want to win it, you have to win them all.”
Asked if there would be any squad rotation, perhaps some playing time for fringe players, Ten Hag again touched on his intentions in the competition.
“We are going for the victory with everything. The next game is always the most important. It’s Europe, it’s difficult, we want to be number one in the group, that’s why we want to win the game.
Speaking of injuries, Ten Hag referred to Martial’s physical condition. “I want all the players to be available, sometimes it’s disappointing when they’re not. I know we need it with all the games to come. But when the players are not available, it is about dealing with the situation. It’s about the players that are available.”
Still struggling with a back problem, Martial is unlikely to be fit for the weekend or in the squad tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen has been an integral part of United’s first team since joining in the summer and some have questioned whether the Danish international should rest. The United boss addressed these concerns.
“All players have to manage playing time, that’s what I do all the time. That’s why we have a squad with two players in each position. We have quality in all positions; if we have to rotate, we can replace players”.
We can probably expect to see Cristiano Ronaldo on his side tomorrow night after his strong showing last week in Europe and his goal against Everton at the weekend.
“I want to support him as much as possible,” Ten Hag said, “We have a certain demand for players, what we expect from them, at certain positions on the pitch. But I want to get the best out of him, now he is in better shape and can contribute more to the squad”.
Victor Lindelof accompanied his coach at the press conference and spoke of the feeling of the team at the moment after months of rumors about disturbances in the dressing room.
“The feeling in the group is very good. We have good people and good players on the roster, that makes for a good energy. In any club you need a good team spirit. We have it right now; We have to keep improving, keep winning games and hopefully the spirit will stay the same.”
Wan Bissaka, Maguire and Van de Beek all appear to be sidelined with injury tomorrow night, but Marcus Rashford was back in training today after picking up a knock over the weekend.
United will face Omonia tomorrow at 8 pm at the Theater of Dreams.
