Ten Hag lost his first Manchester derby against Manchester City last year but hope his side can get a revenge ahead of their clash at Old Trafford.
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag insists he knows the importance of derby games and hope his side can continue their fine form when the host local rival Manchester City.
The Red Devils will host Manchester City later today after their last clash with a disappointing 6-3 result at the Etihad stadium.
City striker and midfielder Erling Haaland and Phil Foden but got an Hattrick in the game before as Antony and Anthony Martial scored in the second half of the game.
Speaking about the importance of the game Ten Hag said: ”It is always great to enter Old Trafford in any game, but, in a Manchester derby, it is going to be a really special moment when I enter tomorrow at Old Trafford. I know the meaning of derbies and, especially, this game will be huge, great. It is really exciting.’
Ten Hag gave minutes to inform players Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, and Eriksen in their Carabao cup gaame against Charlton as he believes they need to keep the players fresh as there are lots of games to play.
”We have a squad and we use that squad. We are looking really good in terms of managing the load of the players to keep that balance. In top football, you live on limits and we are aware of that. So don’t go too much across those limits because we have to keep the players fit and fresh, so we can win every game. We want to win every game, and in top football nowadays, you have to act every third day. The players do their work in terms of lifestyle and recovery, from food, then they can act and keep this high level until the end of the season.’
”With all the games, it is never about 11 players, it is always about the squad. Weeks like this, the rhythm is so important, so bring in Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Rashy [Marcus Rashford] at the end of the game, otherwise they wouldn’t have trained for a couple of days, which is never good. We have to find the right balance and the right focus with that so that they keep going. I think they are playing at a high level and they have to keep that going, as the team performances have been good. Also the individuals will contribute to it and they will keep their process and their own development going.”
