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

Erik ten Hag spoke to the media ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.

United were denied three points at Selhurst Park last month after a last-minute equaliser from a terrific Michael Olise free-kick.

A victory at Old Trafford this time around will be crucial as The Reds focus on a top four finish this term, as well as a potential trophy as they await the final of the Carabao Cup later this month.

The United manager was asked about several topics in his pre-match press conference for the game.

Have you got anything to say on the Mason Greenwood situation? “No, nothing. I can’t add anything. I refer to the statement of the club.”

Have you ever met him and will you be part of the decision-making process? “As I said, at this moment, I cannot give comments about the process.”

Have you ever spoken to him? “I can’t say anything about it, I refer to the statement of the club. In this moment, I can’t add anything.”

Will that situation have any impact on preparing for the match and what do you feel about playing Crystal Palace? “We have always to focus on the game no matter what, that is our job. That’s why we are here. We have a lot to do against them, two weeks ago we had a bad performance there [at Selhurst Park], I wasn’t happy with the performance from us. It was 90 per cent focus and energy and we dropped two points. We have to avoid it tomorrow. We need tomorrow to play a better game, have better focus in the game and especially a better conduct in our way of play because we have to beat them, that’s quite clear.”

Will Marcel Sabitzer be in the matchday squad? “Yes.”

How is he looking tactically and fitness-wise? “Very good. Of course, he did only one session, but you can see he’s a very fit player. I didn’t have a different expectation. He’s coming from Bayern Munich, German [clubs] they are always [about] fitness, [it’s] always good. So, he is [fit]. So, I think he is ready to play.”

Could he start the game? “I think he’s a really smart player, I think we gave him some guidance, but I think he knows what to do, he knows the job, so he could do.”

Raphaël Varane has retired from international duty, is that good news for you? “Yeah, for United I think it’s good news, but I think Rapha, he has achieved everything. In international football, club-wise, but also with his nation. I think it is incredible what he has achieved. Big respect, and I’m happy he now puts all of his energy and his experience into our team.”

Did you speak to him before the decision? “He gave me the information that he was intending to do this, yes.”

Did you speak to him about it at all or had he already made his mind up? “No, I didn’t discuss it, Rapha is experienced, he makes his own decisions of course about that. I can only express my deep respect for his career until now. But still, he has a lot to come because he is ambitious, he wants to win with Manchester United.”

You won Premier League Manager of the Month in September and Marcus Rashford won the Premier League Player of the Month for January — what does that say about the progress? “That’s always nice to win individual awards but it’s not about that. We have to win as a team, we have to work on that and when the team is winning, individuals will get their rewards. That is always the way in football, not the other way around.”

Is it a benefit or negative that you played Crystal Palace before so recently? “It’s always difficult to say before, but of course, we know a lot from them, they know a lot about us. But, like I said, we were really unhappy about our game at Crystal Palace, we have to do much better, so I demand a much better performance. When we perform better than in London, then we have a good chance to win. But first, we have to come to the level.”