Manchester United started the season on the back of two consecutive league defeats and looks like they were about to continue on the adverse trajectory of Ralf Rangnick's reign only for Erik Ten Hag to turn their season around albiet making some drastic decisions which has brought out at least the better of the available players.
They have won a trophy this season, reached the Europa League quarter finals, are in the top four and have an Emirates FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City in June. They have managed to pull of memorable wins over the top six teams in the Premier League currently, although their away records aren't so good.
Pundits have appreciated Erik Ten Hag for his good works but it seems rival aren't so impressed with the job the former Ajax boss is doing at Old Trafford. Team's appear to buckle up now when they face Man United unlike last year which made Erik Ten Hag to claim 'Everyone wants to beat Manchester United' during his press conference ahead of Thursday clash with Tottenham.
Both are aiming to finish in top four, but Man United have better chances of doing that and Erik Ten Hag had already claimed Tottenham Hotspur's clash will be a tough one. When asked how he plans to stop Spurs he replied. "It is not about Spurs, it is about Manchester United."
"It can never be that a team we are facing is more hungry as we [are]. So make sure, that is my demand on the players, be ready for that game. It's the same. Show why you are wearing the shirt of Manchester United."
"Then you have to be front foot and our players know that. Every game is the same, everyone wants to beat Manchester United, so then you have to be really alert and really focused and ready for that game because Spurs will play at the highest levels, so we have to play our best football if we want to beat them."
The course of the season has seen some players settling for a place on the team's bench, Victor Lindelof is an instance but the Swede impressed alongside Luke Shaw after he was handled the duty of center back as the only available one in the team after injuries hit Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez while team captain Harry Maguire missed their last game due to suspension.
Victor Lindelof impressed and came up when United need him the most by scoring the winner in their penalty shootout against Brighton in the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday. Erik Ten Hag was asked if he expects more from the former SL Benfica's player.
"Yes, of course," the manager replied.
"It is not always easy when you are in a club that's Manchester United and you need a big squad. There are also players who are capable of playing every game, like Victor. But he is not playing every game because you are not picked and then you have to wait for your moment and, when the moment is there, you have to prove it."
"And now [there are] a number of games after each other that he is really contributing and really consistent in his performance, and the team needs it. So it's a demand for a player from Manchester United as well. Maybe it's not easy, sometimes if you are disappointed, or frustrated during the season, to keep in a good level and Victor did really well."
"As others did really well. There are examples of it. You see, when you are needed, you give the performance and help the team to get the goals from the season."
In other news, Scott McTominay will not play for Manchester United against Tottenham in the Premier League.
Although the Scotland international is expected to return shortly, manager Erik ten Hag has challenged his team to be sharp and healthy for the final stretch, citing Victor Lindelof as an excellent role model for those looking to seize the moment when it arises.
The Sweden center back won Man of the Match in the shootout victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Emirates FA Cup semi-final, and he will try to preserve his spot at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium despite Harry Maguire's return from suspension.
After recovering from an ankle injury, Alejandro Garnacho is back in the gym, and there is hope that Raphael Varane will be back in time for the FA Cup final against Manchester City on June 3.
"Alejandro is not ready for the game," the manager told MUTV's Mark Sullivan ahead of travelling down to London. "Scott, we have to wait a little bit longer, I fear. But I am sure they are all motivated to be back as soon as possible as we play a lot of ‘finals’, huge games and, in the end, we know what is going on then."
In order to guarantee their position in the Champions League for the upcoming season, the Red Devils are working to secure a top-four finish in the table. The match between Spurs and the fifth-placed Aston Villa, a team making a late push, is crucial in this regard and will be played on Sunday at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag's team is currently in fourth position, although they do have a game in hand on Newcastle United, who are currently ahead on the Premier League table thanks to goal difference.
The manager is aware of how important Victor Lindelof's performance has been for the Red Devils since he was added to the lineup. It will be interesting to watch who can put themselves into contention for a starting berth in the all-Manchester cup final by excelling in the remaining Premier League matches, with others aiming to make their impact before 2022/23 is over.
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