Any time of the season, it will be tricky to visit Goodison Park but given their recent punishment, the atmosphere is set to be even more challenging.
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Manchester United have a difficult test away to Everton in the Premier League on Sunday. Any time of the season, it will be tricky to visit Goodison Park but given their recent punishment, the atmosphere is set to be even more challenging. The Toffees have been handed a 10-point deduction for reportedly breaching the Premier League’s financial rules. It has upset the club’s faithful, with plenty of supporters expressing their frustration with the outcome.
Hence, it is not an ideal time for any side to visit Goodison Park. However, that is the hard task Manchester United have at their hand. Understandably manager Erik ten Hag was asked how difficult it is going to be to face Everton currently. Ten Hag, quoted on the club’s website, said in the pre-match press conference, “But is always about us. I can see the opposition, I can see they are mad. But finally, it is about us and we know they are mad and that is their fuel. We have to match that and those standards. When we match the standards, we have a great chance to win the game.”
Due to a possible electric atmosphere that could be prevalent on Sunday, ten Hag was asked whether he would have a word with his players to maintain their discipline and not get carried away with the occasion. The manager replied, “Yeah, but we have also stepped forward with that recently. This season we have made some steps there and we have good form. We also have a good away form and we have a strong belief on what we have to do, to have that platform in order to win games.”
Notably, Manchester United manager ten Hag is banned from the touchline for the Premier League contest against Everton. The manager was asked whether more can be done to improve the relationship between managers and the match officials. He replied, “Let’s say this, you are not always agreeing with the refereeing. I think many decisions this season have gone against us, I have seen a list and we are number 18 in the league. But, I still have to accept it. Now I am banned, it can be a better advantage. I have a better view!”
The Dutchman then went on to give a squad update, as he provided some positive developments of certain players. “Andre [Onana] is okay. He stepped in during training today, so he is good. Rasmus [Hojlund] is a close finish, he is training, he is down and outside. He is making very good steps and we will have to wait until tomorrow to make a final decision,” he said.
On left-back Luke Shaw, he replied, “Luke Shaw will be available for Sunday, he will be in the squad.” Shaw has been out injured for a while now, hence his return would be a massive boost for the club. When asked how significant is Shaw’s return, ten Hag said, “You can mention many things. You can mention physical [ability], his technical ability, his leadership. Yeah, it is clear. [For] a long time in the season we didn’t have a left full-back. So we are very happy he is back. That is a good sign. He will help us [to be] more stable. I am sure of that.”
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