Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has responded to the suggestion that his team is afraid of coming up against Manchester City.
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has responded to the notion that his team may be fearful of playing their bitter rivals Manchester City in their big derby on the weekend.
The Citizens managed to match their crosstown rivals’ historic achievement of 1999 last season, when they won the treble.
Having added a FIFA Club World Cup title to their trophy cabinet since, the Sky Blues look to be challenging on all fronts once again, and are currently on an 18-match unbeaten run in all competitions since the beginning of December.
The Red Devils, on the other hand, recently had a four-game winning streaking in the league halted by Fulham at Old Trafford, losing 2-1 to the Cottagers last Saturday.
Ten Hag has, however, dismissed any narrative suggesting that his charges are afraid of going up against the reigning European champions.
When asked if he feared facing City, the Dutchman said, as per 90min: “They have a good team but there are more good teams.
“They won everything last season, but we know and that is the challenge. But also Liverpool is a very good team and there are more good teams. We like the challenge and we are looking forward to challenging them.”
The 54-year-old also refused to be lured into explaining recent statements from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s new minority co-owner, about breaking up the duopoly that City and Liverpool currently have on English football.
“I think that has nothing to do with each other. But we want to win every game,” he added.
“That is always our mentality and our approach in every game. It doesn’t matter who is the opponent. But, as I say, you always want to play against the best.”
