25 February 2023 , 22:30
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Erik ten Hag has challenged his Manchester United players to make their own history.
United will look to win their first trophy for six years when they face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup Final. And Ten Hag, who will be going to Wembley for the first time in his life, has told stars like Marcus Rashford, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes that the only way to handle United’s glorious past is to be part of a successful future.
Ten Hag said: “When you are a player for Manchester United you have to create your own legacy - and therefore you have to win trophies. We are going in a good direction. On Sunday we have an opportunity to win a trophy.
“But after Sunday we are still in three competitions where we have good opportunities to also win something. It’s massive. But first we have to get the first one so we don’t think further ahead. We have to put everything we have into getting the trophy to Manchester.”
United legends Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand have praised Ten Hag for the job he has done since leaving Ajax to take charge at Old Trafford last summer. And Peter Schmeichel described Thursday night’s Europa League victory over Barcelona as “vintage Sir Alex Ferguson.”
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Ten Hag said: “Sometimes it's difficult for the players of today because every time there is a reference to the past and the big history that the former players made.
Erik ten Hag doesn't want his Man Utd side to play in the shadow of club greats and their feats (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)“And I can imagine those (former) players, because you love the club and it's a big part of your life - and what you most love you are most critical of because you want them to do well.
“So I can understand that sometimes it affects players, but it's part of our job to live with criticism and see it as a gift and to do better. As a player for Manchester United you know you have to perform - you know you have to win games and win trophies. That can only be possible if you have togetherness because you can't do it on your own.”
Ten Hag added: “I’ve never had the opportunity to be at Wembley and experience a game there. Only on television. I am looking forward to it. It’s a big joy. If you win it and it’s good, the impact it can have.
“But if not, then we have to get more opportunities and carry on the process because we are still going in the right direction.”