Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has indicated that his side will not be able to end their six-year trophy drought on Sunday if they fail to focus on the game.
The Red Devils are in a good position to cap their impressive campaign with a trophy next Sunday after they take on Barcelona in the Europa League playoff return leg tie at Old Trafford. They will play Newcastle United on Sunday, three days after their Europa League clash with the Catalans.
Ahead of a decisive fixture against FC Barcelona on Thursday, Erik Ten Hag claimed his side should be focused on the match rather than the credits if they wish to end their trophy drought this season.
In response to the question of whether Manchester United were not getting enough credit for an outstanding performance over the course of the season, Erik Ten Hag replied: "Definitely, but it's not about credit, it's about trophies."
"We have the opportunity [to win one on Sunday], but the first focus point is always the next game, and in that league [the Europa League], we can't win a trophy this week."
We have to go from game to game as the focus, but especially, you have to keep in the same mindset that every day we want to give a better version of ourselves. "When you are facing such big teams as Barcelona, you have to play your best; otherwise, you don't have a chance," he explained.
"So, we want to get through, to get to the next round, and we have to give the best performance of this season." "We believe in it; we're looking forward to it, so it gives us a lot of energy."
The manager was further quizzed on whether Barcelona's match was the biggest game of his career, to which he bluntly replied.
"For me, the next game is always the biggest game." So, you have to go back, but I'm not the type that's looking back; I'm looking forward. So, I am totally excited for tomorrow. Two big, great teams are facing each other at Old Trafford. It will have a massive atmosphere and great ambience. "I think it is the best you can get," he stated.
The manager went on to dismiss the thought that the Red Devils have an edge over Barcelona due to the absence of midfield duo Pedri and Gavi on Thursday night. Pedri and Gavi are both out due to hamstring injury and suspension, respectively; both were picked during the first leg of the encounter at Nou Camp stadium.
"I don't know what Xavi's thinking is, but it's obvious that Gavi and Pedri are great players." Although they are very young, they have had a positive effect on the game of soccer. But also, their squad has so much depth that they have players who can replace them."
"Tomorrow will be a very good team from Barcelona; if we want to win, we have to play our best," Erik Ten Hag explained.
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