Every word from Erik ten Hag ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League clash vs Bournemouth

Erik ten Hag spoke to the media about several topics ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League fixture against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening.

United will be hoping for a seventh victory in a row at Old Trafford, as they look to solidify their position in the top four.

Ten Hag’s side entered the Champions League positions for the first time this season following their 1-0 win over Wolves on New Year’s Eve. With the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea dropping points, and Newcastle facing table-topping Arsenal, three points are crucial for The Reds.

Ahead of the encounter, Ten Hag was on media duties and discussed Amad Diallo, Anthony Martial and the latest team news; amongst other topics.

Centre-back situation following Casemiro and Luke Shaw cameos: “Of course, you have your ideas, and a plan, but sometimes it changes by circumstances like illnesses from Harry [Maguire] and from Victor [Lindelof]. Normally they should have started in the games we just played, but then Casemiro did well as a centre-half, Luke Shaw against Forest did very good, and also you look into the game plan, the way we have to approach Wolves, and I thought it was the best match with Rapha [Varane] and Luke. Especially defending-wise, we know the speed from Wolves over on the right side, and he [Shaw] could cover that because we want to attack over on the left side with offensive game from Tyrell Malacia so that was a good fit. And also in possession, you always – with a left foot – get better angles on the pitch.”

Can Shaw play there a lot? “We have seen the last two games. I think he did fabulous and was impressing, but we know also he is really good as a left full-back but it’s an extra option and [that] is always good for a team.”

How do you solve the lack of focus shown against Wolves in the Bournemouth game? “I think already in half-time [against Wolves] I solved it. I saw a different approach in the second half and it was more investment, there was more focus, more aggression, we had better organisation in the second half and I think we created even more chances and I think the win was also well deserved.”

Will Scott McTominay and Lisandro Martinez be back against Bournemouth? “We have to see. Both were training yesterday and today, so I am quite optimistic about [them] returning to the squad, both of them.”

How about Diogo Dalot? “He is making good progress – but we don’t want to take risks with anyone because we know there are many games to come and we need a full squad to cover all the games.”

Have you considered recalling Amad Diallo from his loan at Sunderland? “We consider everything. As long as it’s strengthening the squad. But at the same time, I have a little bit of a reservation for that because I don’t want to stop the process. He’s [making] really good progress there, so I’m happy with that. When we decide [for him] to come back, he has to be a player who can be starting XI, compete for starting XI [at a] minimum, for a lot of games to come in and have an impact.

“In that moment [pre-season], I didn’t see him as a starting XI or a player who already had an impact. But I see and value his potential and his capabilities. I saw that he needs experience in men’s football, senior football. I think in many aspects of football, to get stronger physically, mentally, also skills-wise to improve that, to develop that, so that he can have value for us.”

Any potential departures this month? “I know we have good players and I know a lot of clubs will have an interest in the players who are not so often playing for us, but we need the squad. We need the depth in the squad, and especially I would say in the frontline.”

Do you have a big enough squad? “I think we have a good team when all the players are available. But with many games coming up, I think there is a need [for a striker]. But you need one who can have an impact, otherwise you are just burning money and you don’t strengthen the squad and it doesn’t help.”

Thoughts on Anthony Martial’s performances and is he fully fit? “I don’t think so. He’s not used to coming on every third day. He didn’t play for a long time and probably this [weekend] wasn’t his game. I was more happy with his performances before. You could see what a real impact he can have. That’s normal. You can’t expect players to always play their best form. This [Wolves] was one game. In the next game, I expect a better performance from him. I think he will do, I’m really convinced of that. I’m really happy with his performances across many games. He has a really good impact on our game. It’s really enjoyable to work with him. If you see the minutes he’s played and the impact he’s had so far, I think that’s really huge.”

How do you ensure that every player knows they are part of a group and collective? “You have to set values and standards. All the players have to match that. No-one is more important for a team than another. Everyone has to play his role. Of course, I value individuals and in my approach to line up the team, I will also bring them in circumstances – especially the goal makers – that we put them in the right positions so they can perform to their potential. But finally, it’s about a team sport, and if you want to win everyone has to match certain standards.”