Every word from Erik ten Hag ahead of Man United’s Premier League clash vs Wolves

Erik ten Hag spoke to the media ahead of Manchester United’s away fixture against Wolves in the Premier League on New Year’s Eve.

After back-to-back wins since returning to action, United will be confident ahead of their trip to the Molineux. They have won their last two games in Wolverhampton.

Ten Hag was asked about many different topics ahead of the tie, with every word from the manager detailed below:

Lopetegui’s impact at Wolves: “As you just said, I just finished this game [against Nottingham Forest]. And now I have had a look at their base formation. I had a short look at [Wolves’s] performance against Everton and I took notice from it. But to be in detail and think about a game plan, no I am not that far [yet].”

How much development does Aaron Wan-Bissaka need? “First, you have to be on the pitch. And in the first-half of the season, he was either injured or ill, so you don’t have a role in the squad. So, I thought that the break was good for him. He returned, he was in the training camp in Spain, he could play some games in preparation for the restart. Now he is playing games and he is doing really well so I am happy with his performance. But we need that competition in our squad.”

How do you develop his game? “By training. By coaching. And he has to play games in the team and then you can develop and then you can grow.”

Would you be satisfied without adding a striker in January or would it be a concern? “I think we have a squad. We have the players who are matching our criteria. But with all the games that are coming, it is tough competition in all the leagues. But if you want to also be in all the leagues and keep playing in all the leagues by winning games and cups as well. So, you need players, you need numbers to cover. So, we need good players. Not only numbers, you need quality players to cover that and also that you need competition. And you need also that you can make tactical choices. So, we are looking for the right player for our squad and has to match our sporting criteria but also our financial criteria.”

Can Alejandro Garnacho, who played well coming from the bench vs Nottingham Forest, fill the gap in the forward line? “We need impact from the bench. And I am happy once again it was a player who come from the bench, Fred, who is scoring the goal. And I think all the subs who came on [against Forest] did really well. Also in the offensive department, you need players coming from the bench who will have an impact on the game, whether it is that you need a goal or a save when you are leading and that you can go for a counter attack or at least you keep the win on your side.”

Surprised Real Madrid sold Casemiro? “Yeah, I am happy they did it [sold him to United]. But you also see him involved at the World Cup, he is a magnificent player. My analysis was before the start of the season we needed a [number] six, and he is fulfilling that six position. In the pre-season I remember we had a lot of discussions in this room, but you need the right player, and definitely we have the right player. I am really happy for Manchester United and for this team to have him. Because he is raising the limits from Manchester United.”

How realistic is signing a striker in January? “It is always difficult, strikers are expensive and especially in the winter. But you have to set the limits high with what we are looking for, so maybe we have to be creative. But we do everything we have in our power to get that done, to get the right players in who fit in the balance of the front lines. I don’t think you can judge that [the chances of getting one over the line] and rate it because it is about timing, it is about availability, it is about so many circumstances that play a role in it. And let’s be fair, the window has not even started. So, it is a long period.”

Is Lisandro Martinez back for Wolves? “Well, it is good, he [has] arrived in Manchester.”

Is he sober? “I think so. I am sure he is.”

The impact of Martinez being a World Champion: “I think it is already a boost. I think already he is a player who is convinced in himself. He has high belief, but I think also this experience will strengthen him even more and he has to bring that in the squad. I think Argentina, they played to win, in contradiction to many other nations, who play not to lose. I think also that mentality has shown many times in Manchester United. [He is] proactive and that’s what I like and when it is difficult to stand [tall]. And when he can show that more it will help us more.”

Did you have doubts about Martinez after tough start? “No, I never had that doubt. That’s why I brought him in, because I know he has high potential and if he works good then there is a huge progress, there is huge space for improvement. And now he is returning from the World Cup, there is another challenge to go. Because that is experience is so emotional and now you have to manage that as a player and because opponents will be even more tougher against him and that is a good challenge. And if you survive the challenge, you are going to be a better player. And that is the type of player that Lisandro Martinez is. He likes performances and he likes challenges.”

Jadon Sancho coming back into the squad…? “Yes of course there is coming a time. The time is not now, but his making good progress, and we will see when he is ready to return into the squad. [He is] back in Manchester. He will start individual training, yeah.”