Manchester United's manager, Erik ten Hag, recently offered insights into the team's ongoing activities and plans.
The Red Devils engaged in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Everton on Tuesday, with ten Hag underlining the significance of affording players valuable playing time as the season kicks off.
"I think it’s very helpful to give players the minutes at the start of the season," ten Hag asserted in his press conference on Friday.
The 53-year-old acknowledged the unique circumstances of this year's pre-season, clarifying that it spanned not six, but rather four or five weeks. This prompted the necessity for matches like the Everton friendly, aimed at giving all players an equal opportunity to assimilate into the new season.
When queried about the potential involvement of defender Lisandro Martinez against Tottenham on Saturday, ten Hag expressed optimism. "He was just training, so I think so yeah,” the Dutchman affirmed.
Turning attention to Jonny Evans, who has been an active participant in United's pre-season training, ten Hag divulged ongoing discussions are taking place."We are in talks and when we have news, we will bring that,” he revealed. [Evans is on a] short contract for this month, but we are talking."
Discussing the possibility of further additions to the squad, ten Hag's perspective emerged: "We are always looking for opportunities, but I think we have a good squad.”
In closing, ten Hag radiated confidence in the squad's capabilities, saying: "With this squad, we are convinced we can go for our targets.”
As Manchester United's journey in the 2023-24 campaign unfolds, ten Hag's strategic vision and the club's perpetual quest for excellence stand poised to shape their trajectory.
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