Speaking after Manchester United’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, Erik ten Hag believes that his players are prepared for what is a pivotal week in United’s season.
A tough one to take. Thanks to our travelling fans for your magnificent support today.#MUFC || #ARSMUN pic.twitter.com/F45HrTNkKb
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 22, 2023
United are the only English side who are left in all four competitions and this week, their attention turns to the two domestic competitions as they are in action in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
United play Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday at 8pm UK time, and on Saturday at the same time, United host Championship side, Reading, who are managed by former United midfielder Paul Ince, at Old Trafford in the fourth-round of the FA Cup.
At the Carabao Cup semi-final stage, United will play Forest over two legs, with the second leg to be played on the 1st of February at Old Trafford after the game at the City Ground has concluded.
It is a huge week for ten Hag’s side as they look to put themselves in a good position to reach the final of the Carabao Cup and reach the fifth-round of the FA Cup with victory over the Royals.
The United manager said in his post-match Arsenal press conference that: “It’s a big week, so I can imagine that the players are ready for it – to face this big week” [via Man Utd].
The players must be “ready for it” because they should seize the moment and realise that they have the potential to make history and end United’s five year trophy drought, so their motivation going into those games should be high.
It is likely that the Dutchman will rotate his side for the cup games, which means that the likes of Tom Heaton, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Fred are all likely to play either of those two matches.