Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag admits he is wary of a response from Everton as the Toffees use their 10-point deduction as ‘fuel’ this weekend.
Everton were last week hit with a 10-point penalty from the Premier League for breaching the division’s profit and sustainability rules, a punishment which leaves Sean Dyche’s side in the relegation places.
Everton’s disgruntled fanbase are expected to protest during Sunday’s showdown with Manchester United and Ten Hag said his team must prepare for a motivated side.
“I can see the opposition and I can see they are mad,” the Dutchman told his pre-match press conference.
“If they are mad and that’s their fuel, we have to match those standards. When we match the standards we have a very good chance to win the game.”
United head into the game with Everton as the form side in the division, having won four of their last five Premier League games. Ten Hag insists those results must serve as a foundation for his team to build from after a disappointing start to the campaign.
“We have seen a turning point. We have built on certain foundations.
“We are looking forward with confidence. There are no easy games for anyone – every team will drop points. Of the last five [Premier League] games, we have won four and that gives us confidence.”
