Erik ten Hag talks Wembley after Carabao Cup semi-final victory

On Wednesday evening, Manchester United booked their place in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, defeating Nottingham Forest 5-0 across the semi-final.

Wednesday evening cumulated a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford on the evening for Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag leading his team to their first final.

Anthony Martial and Fred were the two goal scorers on the night, with Bruno Fernandes collecting a well deserved Player of the Match award after another quality display.

The fixture also saw the return of Jadon Sancho to the turf after two months out on a rehabilitation program.

“I think we played professionally,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports after the match. “But the pace was too slow. We allowed them to create chances. In the second half, the tempo was better and we scored some good goals.”

He continued talking about the performance, saying: When you are a Manchester United player you have to match the standards.”

“We have a good squad so we have to be demanding. When you’re a Manchester United player you have to deliver.”

When questioned on if he is relishing the chance to play a final at Wembley stadium, he said: “Of course we are looking forward to it. We get to go to Wembley and it’s Newcastle Untied who are great team but it is far away for us.”

Despite many calling for a different line-up, Erik ten Hag went with a strong XI, playing key players such as Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, and Raphael Varane.

“We were 3-0 up so I didn’t want to give them momentum,” explained Ten Hag when questioned on his XI choices.

“They were waiting for one chance to get into the game. We were searching for gaps but I think Forest played well, defended compact and we didn’t find the gaps.”

Manchester United recently completed the loan signing of Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern Munich on deadline day after it was confirmed that Christian Eriksen would be out for three months with an ankle injury.

In relation to the line-up selection and the worry of players sustaining injuries, Ten Hag says he hopes players stay injury free, and any of those currently holding injuries are available to return soon.

“We have had to make lots of compromises in the season so far so hopefully now they [all players back from injury] are all available. If you want to win trophies, you need them all to be available. You saw tonight you can bring a new dynamic off the bench.”