Ten Hag stresses importance of Fulham clash
Erik ten Hag says the impending World Cup cannot be a distraction and underlined the need for Manchester United’s players to do everything in their power to beat energetic Fulham.
Today’s trip to Craven Cottage is the final Premier League fixture before the season is paused for six weeks and attention turns to the quest for glory in Qatar.
United enter the final weekend before the break fifth in the standings and looking to cap a promising start to life under summer appointment ten Hag by defeating surprise package Fulham.
The Red Devils lost their last Premier League outing 3-1 at Aston Villa but bounced back to beat the same opponents 4-2 at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.
“I think the players are all aware of the importance of the game against Fulham. I will not take the World Cup in regard,” said the Dutchman.
“We play the best team – until Sunday, it is the interest of Manchester United and only the interest of Manchester United.
“That is going to be a really tough game. I think in the Premier League everything is very close, and what I have seen from Fulham so far is really energetic.
“They also play really decent football out from the back – I remember the game against Liverpool at the start of the season – so you have to be really good there to get a result.
“We have to do everything in our power to get the right result – that is what we’re preparing now.”
Fulham manager Marco Silva needs no reminding of just how good United can be – but wants his side focused on their own strengths.
The Cottagers have impressed following promotion, now aiming to push on into the top half of the table and stay well clear of the battle for survival.
Only a late penalty from Erling Haaland denied Fulham a draw at Manchester City last weekend, and Silva feels his players need to concentrate on their own game rather than worry about what United can do.
“We are talking of team of high quality,” the Fulham boss said.
“They had some setbacks during the season so far, but we analysed them and we know what they are capable of and the quality they have.
“It is up to us to keep preparing well, like we’ve been doing this week.”
Silva added: “As well as knowing their strengthens, there are some weakness as well which we try to exploit.
“The focus on them is important, but the most important thing for us is ourselves.”