Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has warned his players that they need to be fully focused on defeating Nottingham Forest, rather than thinking about lifting the Carabao Cup.
The Reds clash with Steve Cooper's men in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, with United just three matches away from winning their first trophy since 2017. Ten Hag's side are widely regarded as favourites to win the Carabao Cup this term, but a tie with the much-improved Forest will not be easy.
Ten Hag won three Eredivisie titles, two Dutch Cups and the Dutch Super Cup during his time with Ajax. The Dutchman will be desperate to win a trophy in his first season with United, but he is keen for his players to remain focused on the task at hand.
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The United manager, who has guided the Reds to fourth in the Premier League table, admitted that the EFL cup final is in sight and insisted that it was the ultimate aim for him and his players.
"Of course, it is in our head but we have to focus on the game," he told club media. "But it’s true the players have to be aware of it. It is a short road to the final. A short road to the cup, to silverware. That is what you are aiming for and what you are playing for – to win."
Ten Hag also suggested that every player in his squad needs to be ready to feature and perform. The 52-year-old insisted that the Reds have a better chance of succeeding if everyone is pulling in the same direction, and called on the substitutes to make an impact when they get their chance.
When asked about dealing with the hectic fixture schedule, Ten Hag said: "It’s about, first, the players to take responsibility that they are fit. So it’s all about recovery, about sleep, about good and getting the right stuff in, and be ready for every game.
"Every player because when we can pick a team out of a squad that is available, we have more chance of winning games. Also during games, you can see the subs can have a big impact on games. Everyone has to be ready for every minute. You will be needed. That’s the first thing, for the rest, of course, it’s behind the scenes.
"A lot of work on what the medical [team] are doing, the performance [team] are doing, what the coaches are doing. The manner of planning, the manner of performing and preparing for games. That is quite definitely true."
United are the only team in England still competing on all four fronts, but missed the chance to move above Newcastle United in the Premier League table after losing to Arsenal at the weekend.
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