Ten Hag: The challenge is up to us

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insists the onus is on his players to put in a solid performance, as we prepare to take on Sheffield United in the Premier League this evening (Saturday, 20:00 BST).

The Reds are set to return to action after the recent international break, with our eyes firmly fixed on securing a second successive victory, after Scott McTominay’s injury-time winner against Brentford last time out.

Ahead of the clash at Bramall Lane, Erik spoke exclusively to club media, insisting his side must be at their best in order to achieve maximum points in South Yorkshire.

Sharing news of the latest squad update, he also spoke about the Blades’ start to life back in Premier League and below, you can both read and watch everything he had to say…

Erik we know Casemiro is out of the game tomorrow but we saw [Sergio] Reguilon and Sofyan [Amrabat] training yesterday, so what else can you tell us about the squad after the internationals?
“Rapha Varane is back, so especially in the backline, we are very happy with [Raphael] Varane being back and Sergio [Reguilon] back. It is very good news and it is disappointing that Casemiro picked up an injury, but it is not too bad and I am sure and confident he will be back for the next games at such short notice. The good thing is also Sofyan Amrabat is available.”

Some of your players have had really good performances for their countries during the international break, how do you use that for the club’s benefit?
“You will see it has given them confidence and energy. But also in our last game, it gave us energy and in the game which we turned around, the togetherness with the fans, they backed us throughout the game. We were losing but they were very supportive and it was a great atmosphere in the stadium and also the team kept believing in a better result. We then brought Scott McTominay on and I think his attitude is a real example for everyone, to come on at such short notice, I cannot expect that every time a player comes on, that two minutes later he is scoring two goals. But that attitude is what we need and that is the example that we need to be a really good team, a really good squad, [and] a good dressing room to get the results in because it is not just about eleven players, it is about the squad.”

We will hopefully bring that into the game against Sheffield United, so how do you assess their season so far?
“Every game is very difficult. You have seen they have had really good performances but in that moment, they don’t get the result. It has shown against City and also against Spurs, who are top of the league. If you don’t play your best football, you will have a problem there. So it is up to us.”

It is a bit similar to the 8pm kick off at Burnley. A newly-promoted team, battling for their lives. Do you see similarities in the challenge?
“Definitely there are some similarities but it is a different opponent, so it will also be a different approach.”

And when a team is battling at the foot of the table, what do you have to be wary of as a team?
“Again, I respect every opponent but we have to play our football. We have to play our game, so make it our game and then of course, the opponent is a factor. But then it is about how you play against the opponent.”

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