Erik ten Hag explains why Newcastle are “annoying” ahead of Carabao Cup Final

Erik ten Hag met with the media on Friday in preparation for the Carabao Cup final this coming Sunday to talk about Newcastle United and their crafty strategies.

Just a day after beating Barcelona 2-1 at Old Trafford and advancing to the Europa League round of 16, Erik ten Hag spoke to the fourth estate in what was a candid conversation, as it always is when it comes to the Dutchman.

United overcame the Catalans 4-3 on aggregate after initially drawing to them 2-2 at Camp Nou before emerging victorious in the second leg. Goals from Fred and Antony helped United reach the last sixteen of the Europa League, where they will face off against yet another Spanish opponent, Real Betis.

When initially asked about Newcastle and their successes this season, the gaffer explained how the Magpies have a clear philosophy and how they are an “annoying” team to play against.

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He was then later grilled once again about what was annoying about the way Newcastle played. He then replied: “Annoying. They try to annoy you. If you see from the FA, referees want to play effective time. They have the lowest in the league, they are quite successful with it.

“It’s up to us to get speed in the game, but we are dependent on the refereeing as well,” he told the media.

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When questioned if Nick Pope played a major role in the Magpies’ time-wasting antics the boss said: “I am not in the instructions of the opponents so I don’t know, I can’t influence that.

“We have to focus on playing football when the ball is in the game and fully concentrate on that. Don’t get distracted from whatever is on the pitch, we have to find our way.”

United’s first shot at silverware this season comes in the form of the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United on 26 February, Sunday at 16:30 BST.

Apart from that, United’s next league fixture is against rivals Liverpool and they face off a week from Sunday’s final at Anfield on 5 March.