Man Utd boss Ten Hag reveals he’s not looking forward to Sevilla tie, Ratcliffe hand shake

Joe Williams
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag looks unhappy

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag insists he is not looking forward to their match against Sevilla in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

The Red Devils – who host Fulham on Sunday in the FA Cup – drew the La Liga side in the draw on Friday with Sevilla one of the most successful clubs in the competition in recent years.

And Ten Hag is wary of their threat, he told reporters at a press conference on Friday: “They have a very good record and we have to be aware of it.

“It is going to be tough, they are very experienced in the Europa League and have won it so many times.

“I don’t know the team in detail but for me the most important is football and I don’t look forward to Sevilla.

“First we have international break and then three Premier League games, so there isn’t much time to focus on that.

“All the opponents are coming to this stage of Europa League are strong and you have to play your best football if you want to go through.”

Founder of INEOS Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who wants to buy the club, was at Old Trafford on Friday to attend a presentation held by senior Man Utd management staff.

“I just met them and shook hands but I am focussed on the game,” Ten Hag added when asked if he’d met Ratcliffe.

“Others are dealing with potential investors.”

Marcus Rashford, who is currently on 27 goals for the season in all competitions, scored again on Thursday night as Man Utd beat Real Betis 5-1 on aggregate in the Europa League.

On Rashford, Ten Hag continued: “He has progressed during the season.

“He was not in the best shape when he started the season, but the way we’re playing gives him a base and he brings his skills in to that.

“His attitude and mentality is what is bringing him a lot of progress and brings the team a lot of joy and gives him a lot of goals and us a lot of wins.

“I knew his skills. You also bring staff in around him, who can make him better and make progress.

“Don’t forget others in the staff because it is about teamwork. The staff is about balance, they challenge each other and it is the total package and it is not about one person.”

When asked whether there’s an incentive to return to Wembley and lift another trophy this season in the FA Cup, Ten Hag replied: “Of course it is huge motivation.

“We enjoyed winning a trophy and it has to be the fuel for the next one.

“We have to push for that and that has to bring extra energy to beat Fulham.”

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