Erik Ten Hag demands show of character ahead of semi-final showdown

Ten Hag speaks ahead of Manchester Derby FA Cup final

Erik Ten Hag demands show of character ahead of semi-final showdown

Stephen Oladehinde 08:42 - 23.04.2023

Manchester United face Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final as they look to secure their second trophy this season.

Coming back from being eliminated in the Europa League by Sevilla, Ten Hag has asked his players to be focused, determined and show character in their FA Cup game against Brighton. A win for United will see them lock horns with rivals Manchester City in the final.

United are also battling with some injuries, with the likes of Varane and Martinez expected to miss the game. However, Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw are expected to play after making their return against Sevilla.

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Ten Hag believes his team can do it again

Ten Hag will be hoping for a similar response at Wembley because they have demonstrated their capacity to recover from setbacks throughout the current season. 

Speaking in his press conference, Ten Hag said, ''The team showed character on several occasions this season, so we believe they can do it again. We have to do it again because of course we are not happy [about the Sevilla game], we were really disappointed and frustrated with our performance and level as this is not our standard. We want to act.

''First of all, bring your own performance. We will make a good plan and from there on, [try and] execute it. Then you have to manage the game and anticipate if the opponent can do different stuff. You have to anticipate these things and deal with the circumstances, make it your game. We can play football and we have shown this so many times, we beat all the big teams in the Premier League. We know we can do it but, in the moment, you have to do it.''

Ten Hag says there are updates on the team news

Manchester United's manager has given an update on his team as Rashford and Shaw are expected to feature against Brighton today.

When asked about the availability of some players, Ten Hag said, “It is so difficult to say as we just returned from Seville, we are now in training and we will do the recovery, we have some treatments and I think later in the night we will have more news but I have to wait.

United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is also back to the side after missing the second leg of the Europa League due to suspension.

Still speaking, he said, “Bruno Fernandes, You can see how important he is for this group. He is bringing the energy; he is the example, and he is a leader. We are happy that he is back.''