Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United's congested February fixture list gives them a "big advantage" over Newcastle United as the pair look forward to next weekend's Carabao Cup final.
United have had to contend with a hectic month as they continue to fight on four fronts. Prior to next Sunday's trip to Wembley, Erik ten Hag's side will have played seven games across four competitions in 23 days - averaging a game roughly every three days - including a massive Europa League double-header against Barcelona.
Eddie Howe's month has been one of relative serenity, with his side playing just three league games. But the Magpies have failed to win any of those three matches, with Saturday's defeat at home to Liverpool and the suspension of Nick Pope hardly the ideal preparation for the final.
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United boss Ten Hag believes his side hold the advantage in carrying momentum down to London.
“It’s a big advantage for us. We are used to playing big games and that will be a huge advantage for us,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports. “It's about us to keep the momentum going.”
That momentum has seen United win five games in a seven-game unbeaten run across all competitions, with Thursday's draw at Barcelona handing them the chance to use home advantage to progress into the last-16 in Europe. A look further back has seen Ten Hag's men lose just one of their last 10 Premier League games and creep closer to Manchester City and Arsenal.
But the Dutchman swerved talk of a title challenge, insisting his goal is to remain in contention for all trophies for as long as possible.
“I can understand the question but we go from game to game,” he added. “The next game is the most important game. What we have to do is by the end of April, we have to put ourselves in a position where we can win trophies.”
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