Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United want to win every trophy this season, ahead of the club’s Europa League clash with Sheriff.
United can secure their place in the knockout rounds of the Europa League with a positive result against Sheriff on Thursday evening, with a place in the round of 32 guaranteed if the Red Devils avoid defeat at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s team are second in Group E, three points behind Real Sociedad who have a perfect record from four games. The group winners are automatically placed through to the last 16, with the runners-up facing a two-legged tie with one of the drop-out teams eliminated from the Champions League.
Ahead of tomorrow’s clash, Ten Hag discussed his side’s ambitions this season and says United want to win each game and every available major trophy.
“In the season we are in an important block, we want to be in Europe, qualify as number one in the group,” the Dutchman told his pre-match press conference.
“In the league we need to get in the right position and then we have the cup, we want to win every game and every trophy so we have to go for it. Stay in the right mood and right focus and the spirit of the team.”
Ten Hag also discussed the timing of the World Cup mid-season, amid suggestions players could hold back in the coming weeks in a bid to avoid potential injuries.
“I don’t think this is the case because focus is so important because when you don’t have the right focus the risk of injury is even more. You want to be in the right shape and form so it’s important to keep the rhythm so for every game you have to be good and prepared. That gives you a better chance at the World Cup too.
“They have only one week and the World Cup starts, keep in rhythm and fitness and then they will be ready. It’s not optimum of course, it’s a different World Cup.”
