Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has opened up ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup showdown with Fulham. The Red Devils will go into the game on a high after a 1-0 victory over Real Betis on Thursday. And a win over the weekend would see them through to yet another semi-final, having previously made the last four of the Carabao Cup – which they went on to claim glory in.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is at United today, with the British billionaire holding talks regarding a potential takeover of the club.
And Ten Hag has now confirmed he’s met the INEOS chief, though refused to delve into specific details.
“I just met them and shook hands but I am focused on the game,” said the 53-year-old at a press conference.
“We play a big game on Sunday and all our focus is on that. Others in the club are dealing with potential investors.
“My job is to focus on the game so let’s talk about the game Fulham, it is a big tie so let’s get ready for that.”
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He added: “Of course it [returning to Wembley] is huge a motivation.
“We enjoyed winning a trophy and it has to be the fuel for the next one and push for that idea and that has to bring extra energy to beat Fulham.”
One player key for United this season is Marcus Rashford, who netted his 27th goal of the campaign during his side’s 1-0 win over Real Betis on Thursday night.
And Ten Hag is happy with the way the 25-year-old has developed. He said: “He progressed during the season.
“He was not in the best shape when he started the season but the way of playing gives him a base and he brings his skills in and his attitude and mentality and that is bringing in a lot of progress and gives the team a lot of joy and gives him a lot of goals and us a lot of wins.”
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With regards to whether he thought Rashford could score 30 goals this season, Ten Hag continued: “I think I said it in the summer, I was asked if I believe in Rashford or Martial one of them could score 20 plus goals and I said yes I believe.”
Against Fulham, United will go up against former midfielder Andreas Pereira.
The Brazil international left Old Trafford back in the summer having decided to pursue a new challenge elsewhere.
And when asked if he regretted losing the Samba star, Ten Hag responded by saying: “He is a good player and I know him a long time, I had him in the youth of PSV before he transferred to Man United and I am really happy for him and I think it was the right step and he had to play on a regular basis.
“He didn’t do it over several years at United and there comes a point you have to make a step maybe back to make a step in the future.
“I think he is doing a good job.”
And, after being drawn against Sevilla in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, he said: “Back to Sevilla and as you say a very good record we have to be aware of it.
“It is going to be tough, they are very experienced in the Europa League, won it so many times so I don’t know the team in detail but for me the most important is football and I don’t look forward to Seville.
“First we have international break and then three Premier League games so there is much time to focus on that so definitely so all the opponents are coming to this stage of Europa League they are strong and you have to play your best football if you want to go through.”
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