Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that January’s Manchester derby win over Manchester City is “proof” that his side can overcome the Citizens.
The Red Devils booked their spot in the FA Cup final on Sunday afternoon by beating Brighton & Hove Albion on penalties following a goalless draw in 120 minutes of football.
The 20-time English champions will take on Man City in the final, with Pep Guardiola‘s side beating Championship outfit Sheffield United in the first semi-final.
The English champions are chasing a treble this season and are unbeaten in all competitions since the start of February, but Ten Hag is confident that his team can overcome their rivals to make it a domestic cup double this term, having beaten them 2-1 in the Premier League at Old Trafford in January.
“We have proof that we can beat them but then we have to play the perfect game. That was the most perfect game we played this season [winning the derby in January] but we have to go again,” the Dutchman told reporters after the semi-final success over Brighton.
“We know that but, first of all, we have to focus on different games because we have to be in the top four, to get into the Champions League for next season.”
Ten Hag also praised his players for bouncing back from last week’s 3-0 defeat to Sevilla in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final, which eliminated the Red Devils from the competition.
“It [criticism] was justified on Thursday night but, today, the lads deserve compliments and credit because they bounced back once again, they showed character,” he added.
“What we have to learn and improve, which must be our next step, is that if we have a setback in a game, we fight back in that same game, that we keep calm and fight back in that same game. We have to deal with setbacks and we can do it better but in between games, and it’s not the first time, we do it very well.
“It was a difficult game. I think it was a great battle for the fans, especially for the fans at home. It was a great final. In the end, the penalties were really good as well. It was so close and, of course, I am very happy with the performance of the team.
“They were so determined, so dominant to win this game and from the first moment, there was only one thing in mind. We have to win this game. So the willingness was really high.”
Next up for Man United is trip to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Thursday night, with the Red Devils looking to strengthen their grip on a top-four spot.
“The final is not that far away but there are some weeks in between and we have to develop and improve, go from game to game. Thursday night is another big game in London and then we gave to be ready for the next one,” Ten Hag added.
Man United are fourth in the Premier League table, six points clear of fifth-placed Spurs, who have played two games more than the Red Devils.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
