Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has told his players they 'have to win' against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
United make the long trip down south to take on a Cherries side who know they will be in the Premier League next season. Under Gary O'Neil, Bournemouth have ensured top flight football for 2023/24 - having beaten the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool in the second half of the campaign.
It's the first of United's remaining three Premier League matches and - with the top four race still very much alive - Ten Hag knows the importance of getting the job done in Dorset.
Also read: United give team news for Bournemouth
"They will be a team full of energy," said Ten Hag, of Bournemouth. "They have another year of the Premier League, which is huge... massive for them. A great performance, so they've had a great season and will be full of energy. We have to be ready for that. We know what we have to do. We know what the demand is and we know we have to win. It is all about that, so get the focus, get the energy, make a good game plan and take responsibility on the pitch."
United will make a late call on Marcus Rashford, who pulled out of training on Friday due to illness. The England international missed the victory over Wolves last time out due to a leg issue but was expected to be back in contention for the game against Bournemouth after returning to training earlier in the week. Midfielder Scott McTominay is another player pushing for a return.
"We are really happy they are returning at the training ground," said Ten Hag, on the pair. "Both of them did well. (Friday) morning, Marcus reported ill - we will have to see how he will recovery during the day and tomorrow. Of course, we hope he will be there, but just wait and we will see. And Scott, when the final training goes well, he will join the squad and we can select him."
The United boss was also encouraged to learn that his side have scored 100 goals in all competitions this season. After drawing blanks against Brighton and West Ham, Ten Hag was pleased with his side's response against Wolves and - on the whole - has been content with United's final third form across the campaign.
"It's very good," said Ten Hag. "I saw a stat that we are the fifth (highest) scoring team across Europe. So, I don't think it's a problem. We definitely create very good chances, and we know we have to be more clinical also. But still, we've scored a lot of goals and I think we've scored a lot of good team goals. Against Wolves, the one-nil (goal) was an example where many players were involved, to score that goal - building up from the back. But the goal which is still in my head is the goal against Arsenal, from Antony. A great team goal, where I think almost all the players on the pitch had a touch, before we scored."
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