Erik ten Hag has told his Manchester United players to ‘get back to work’ following their jubilant Carabao Cup win at the weekend.
Manchester United ended a six-year trophy drought with a 2-0 win over Newcastle at Wembley on Sunday afternoon thanks to goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.
As has been the case all season though, the games are coming thick and fast for the Red Devils, and they are straight back into action on Wednesday night as they continue their pursuit of a second trophy.
Asked what the message to his side was ahead of the visit of West Ham in the FA Cup fifth round, he said: “Get back to work.”
“Of course, yesterday the players were still enthusiastic and they had to celebrate this moment,” the Dutchman added.
“But yesterday after we settled down, we got back to work and did what we had to do, which was recovery. The ones who played less [minutes in the final] did a good training session.”
Ten Hag was asked about keeping his squad happy and the importance of the collective, with several members of his squad clearly not among the first choice in their respective positions.
“Let’s make myself clear: we didn’t win it with 11 players,” he insisted. “We did win with a squad and I think the squad the whole season is so important.
“Every time players come in – if it’s for a whole game, minutes, a couple of games, also during games we can change dynamics – we do it with many more than 11 players, I count on them and know they will be ready.
“Every time they play they take responsibility and it’s about that but you also have to fight for your position.”
The United boss admitted that Luke Shaw and Fred were doubts, while Anthony Martial continues to be out. Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek remain long-term absentees.
