Erik ten Hag press conference: Antony reaction; Martial fitness; Leicester clash
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag faced the media on Wednesday ahead of Thursday night’s Premier League clash with struggling Leicester at the King Power Stadium.
It comes the day after United announced a deal is in place to sign winger Antony from Ajax – the transfer remains subject to final completion and the Brazilian is not available to play on Thursday.
United also come into this game having recovered from a dreadful start to the season that saw Ten Hag become the first United boss in 101 years to lose each of his first two games in charge. Since a humiliating defeat to Brentford, the Dutchman has steered his team to successive victories over Liverpool and Southampton, with his stamp more visible with each game.
Here are the key points he addressed in his pre-match press conference…
Antony
What can Man Utd fans expect from Antony?
"There is an agreement between the clubs but the paperwork is not done, so I cannot go deep. We still need to strengthen the offensive department because we have many games to cover."
Will Antony make his debut this weekend?
"I hope. [The transfer] has to be done then, because the window is closed."
Transfers
Will Man Utd sign anyone else this summer?
"I think for this window, it will be the end [after Martin Dubravka], but when there is great opportunity you always have to be alert as a top club.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo leave?
"It is clear. We need quality players. You need more to cover all the games to keep the consistency going."
What about Aaron Wan-Bissaka?
"Aaron [Wan-Bissaka] will stay. This squad will go from September to a minimum January."
Man Utd team news
Who is not fit to play?
"Victor Lindelof is training, we will see how he is today. [Anthony] Martial is not available."
Listen now to 90min's Manchester United podcast,The Promised Land, withScott Saunders&Rob Blanchette. In the latest edition they discuss the arrivals of Antony and Martin Dubravka, the possibility that Cristiano Ronaldo could still leave and whether a swap deal with Napoli for striker Victor Osimhen is on the cards. There is also reaction to Casemiro's debut.
Leicester
What can Man Utd expect from Leicester?
"I've seen a couple of games and we also knew from the last seasons how good they are and I think you can also see that in the games they've played to now. Their identity is really good to see, they play really football, so we have to be really good to get a result there."
What do previous back-to-back wins mean for Man Utd?
"I see it as a start, we have a good base. This is the minimum of what we have to bring. I was happy to see the turn and we have to keep that, to keep the spirit and winning mentality because you need it if you want to have a successful season."
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