Erik ten Hag press conference: Team news vs Sheriff; Maguire role; January transfer plans
Manchester United have played Tottenham and Chelsea in the Premier League within the last seven days and will play a third game in the space of eight when Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova visit Old Trafford in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Having witnessed a great performance against Spurs and then some steely character to pull off a late comeback against Chelsea, United boss Erik ten Hag will now be hoping to book their place in the Europa League knockouts. A point would be enough, although only a win is likely to leave them with a realistic chance of being able to leapfrog group leaders Real Sociedad on matchday six.
Ten Hag also addressed the ongoing Cristiano Ronaldo saga and confirmed the 37-year-old will be back in the squad after being dropped against Chelsea.
Team news vs Sheriff
Cristiano Ronaldo & Raphael Varane?
"Cristiano will be in the squad tomorrow. Rapha Varane isn't. He will be out until the World Cup. The prognosis is we have to see how it develops."
Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek & Aaron Wan-Bissaka?
“Harry, Donny, Aaron all training in preparation for tomorrow. After training I will make a decision.”
When could Facundo Pellistri be involved?
“He was injured, long period. Bad injury. He is now returning, so we have young players in the offensive positions. They have to battle to convince me they deserve to be in the team.”
Harry Maguire
What is Maguire's situation at Man Utd?
“He has a role to play. On his way back [from injury] and now has to get back into these games.
“I understand [England’s] interest but we look at United. We have to get right results. It is always about performance, about presentation. He is a great player, great capabilities to do the job for us.”
January transfer window
Are Man Utd working on January plans?
"In this moment, also last week, we focus on the games. In the background, we always continue a process, working on the squad, so we want to have top sport culture and you see and examine how you can improve and that's what we will do."
Listen now to 90min's Manchester United podcast, The Promised Land, with Scott Saunders & Rob Blanchette. In the latest episode they talk the possibility of going after Harry Kane, the situation with Cristiano Ronaldo and options in the absence of Raphael Varane.
Lack of goals
Is the struggle to score goals this season mental or tactical?
“Both. Clearly now attacking game we need to develop. It is really small details we have to work on.”
Lisandro Martinez
What do you make of Lisandro Martinez’s mentality?
“We are United. We want to have a good relationship, we fight together. Licha always does this. Every challenge, every duel he gives everything he has. The fans they love it. You need some players in your team that express that.”