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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
David McDonnell

Erik ten Hag sets Man Utd new target and insists Arsenal have been lucky all season

Erik ten Hag is convinced his Manchester United side can go the remainder of the season unbeaten to underline their progress under him.

United have bounced back every time they have had a setback this season and Ten Hag is adamant they can do so again following their 7-0 humiliation at arch rivals Liverpool 10 days ago.

After their Anfield debacle, United beat Real Betis 4-1 and held Southampton to a goalless draw at Old Trafford after playing with 10 men for more than an hour after Casemiro's sending off.

With the Carabao Cup already won, Ten Hag wants to add the Europa League and FA Cup, and reckons his side are good enough not to lose again - with a potential 21 games left to play.

“We've done it after Brentford, we've done it after losing at Manchester City, so we're capable of it,” said Ten Hag.

“But we have to show that again, don't think too far ahead, just think about it game by game and that is the base of our success.”

Ten Hag also claimed he has only had a full squad to choose from on one occasion this season – United's 2-1 win over local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.

In contrast, Ten Hag claimed Premier League leaders Arsenal have been lucky, with Mikel Arteta able to pick the same players week-in, week-out.

Ten Hag says his side can bounce back from their thrashing at Anfield (AP)

“When you see all season we have had some setbacks, every time we've dealt with it,” said Ten Hag.

“It's about the players who are available and every time there's a team on the pitch who deals with it.

“In just one game we had the squad available totally and I was able to pick my team, from a tactical approach, perfectly - that was against Manchester City at home this season.

“Every other time it's been one player suspended, injured, or unavailable through illness.

“We have to deal with it well but Arsenal, all the time their squad is totally available.”

Ten Hag also revealed winger Alejandro Garnacho suffered a “serious injury” in the goalless draw with Saints – but expects him back before the end of the season.

“I can't say exactly at this moment, but it will take weeks,” said Ten Hag.

“It's a serious injury, but he will be back for the end of the season. He has to deal with the setback.

“We didn't expect a foul, but it's a serious injury once again, after losing Christian Eriksen.”

Ten Hag complained about refereeing inconsistencies after Casemiro's red card at the weekend, with United in ongoing dialogue with the Premier League and PGMOL on the laws of the game.

Casemiro was sent off against Southampton at the weekend (Sky Sports)

“We have the injuries and we have the red cards, that's the combination,” said Ten Hag.

“We have had some talks with them, yeah, but it's not about the referees, it's about us. We have to bring our performance and we have to focus on that.

“But it was clear about Casemiro, it was the handball, it was the penalty situation with Marcus Rashford, it was the pen situation with Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho, there were some discussions about it.”

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