Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new co-owner, is currently assessing every aspect of the club’s football strategy. The manager will face intense pressure if Mark Robins’ Championship underdogs cause an upset. Erik ten Hag, the manager, believes that he has only been able to select his strongest team once in his two seasons at Old Trafford. He maintains that he should not be judged until he can consistently have a full squad to choose from and that his primary focus is on improving the team and individuals.

Ten Hag expressed his concern about the high number of injuries in crucial key positions, which have impacted the team’s ability to deliver desired results. Despite this, he remains focused on his objectives and is not concerned about judgments from others. He referred to a game in January 2023, where his team came from behind to beat their rivals 2-1, as a point of reference. The manager acknowledged the challenges faced by his predecessor, Louis van Gaal, and emphasized the fine margins in football that can make a significant difference.

He highlighted the importance of winning trophies and recognized Van Gaal as the last manager to win the FA Cup with Manchester United. Join our new WhatsApp community to receive daily Mirror Football content and exclusive offers. Read our Privacy Notice for more information.