Erik ten Hag press conference: Wolves, January transfer update, Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Ten Hag has spoken to the press
Ten Hag has spoken to the press / Jan Kruger/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has spoken to media ahead of the Red Devils' early kick-off against Wolves on Saturday.

After a rocky start to life as United boss, Ten Hag has worked wonders since and lost just once in their last 14 games, while also racking up a streak of six consecutive wins at Old Trafford - a feat they hadn't managed since 2017.

But it's a different challenge on Saturday when they head to Molineux for the lunchtime slot and face a Wolves side who clinched a last-gasp win against Everton last time out in Julen Lopetegui's first Premier League game at the helm.

Here's what the Dutchman had to say in his press conference.


Wolves

Have you had a chance to think about Wolves yet? How do you describe the new manager's quick impact?

"I just finished this game [against Nottingham Forest]. And now I have had a look at their base formation. I had a short look at [Wolves'] performance against Everton and I took notice from it. But to be in detail and think about a game plan, no I am not that far [yet]."


Aaron Wan-Bissaka

How much development does Wan-Bissaka need to have the characteristics to be a player in your team?

“First, you have to be on the pitch. And in the first-half of the season, he was either injured or ill, so you don’t have a role in the squad. So, I thought that the break was good for him. He returned, he was in the training camp in Spain, he could play some games in preparation for the restart. Now he is playing games and he is doing really well so I am happy with his performance. But we need that competition in our squad.”

How do you develop his game?

“By training. By coaching. And he has to play games in the team and then you can develop and then you can grow.”


Possible January signings

If you finished January without making a signing in the striker department, would you be satisfied, or would that be something you look at concerningly?

“I think we have a squad. We have the players who are matching our criteria. But with all the games that are coming, it is tough competition in all the leagues. But if you want to also be in all the leagues and keep playing in all the leagues by winning games and cups as well. So, you need players, you need numbers to cover. So, we need good players. Not only numbers, you need quality players to cover that and also that you need competition. And you need also that you can make tactical choices.

"So, we are looking for the right player for our squad and has to match our sporting criteria but also our financial criteria.”


Alejandro Garnacho and substitutes' influence

Does Garnacho give you confidence that he can fill the gap in attack if there is one?

“We need impact from the bench. And I am happy once again it was a player who come from the bench, Fred, who is scoring the goal. And I think all the subs who came on [against Forest] did really well. Also in the offensive department, you need players coming from the bench who will have an impact on the game, whether it is that you need a goal or a save when you are leading and that you can go for a counter attack or at least you keep the win on your side.”