What Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag made players do in training ahead of Tottenham clash
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is preparing for Wednesday night's Premier League showdown with Tottenham at Old Trafford, with players training beforehand.
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Antonio Conte previews Man Utd trip
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is hoping to mastermind a win over Tottenham when the two sides lock horns on Wednesday night. Players have been training ahead of the showdown as the Red Devils go in search of all three points. And they’ll be hopeful of achieving a repeat of what happened against the same opponents back in March, when a hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo propelled them to victory.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag put his players through their paces ahead of Tottenham clash (Image: GETTY)
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Seniors such as Marcus Rashford, Victor Lindelof and Scott McTominay were spotted in action - while Facundo Pellistri and Joe Hugill were also involved.
Ten Hag also made members of the squad work on their fitness, too.
Ronaldo, who drew a blank against Newcastle and was annoyed at being hooked with his side chasing a winner, was snapped jogging alongside close friends Raphael Varane and Diogo Dalot.
Bruno Fernandes and Fred did the same, with the pair hoping to keep their places in Ten Hag’s starting XI for the crunch match on home soil.
Ten Hag himself seemed in an observant mood, with the Dutchman pictured watching proceedings with a thoughtful expression on his face.
And whether United are able to rally after their setback against Newcastle will be interesting to see.
Victory would be a statement of intent, especially when you consider Tottenham’s fine form so far this season.
It would also be encouraging due to the fact United have already seen off both Arsenal and Liverpool at home so far this term.
And Ten Hag, speaking ahead of the game, has expressed his delight at his side’s recent defensive record - having kept two clean sheets from their last two games.
“We defend with eleven. It’s a team performance, from the front to the back,” said the 52-year-old.
“Really good defending and then you’ll see then that you can achieve clean sheets. It’s a base for every successful team.
“Yeah, we do really well. I know when the routines come even more in, they will become even more controlled, it will be even more dictating and that is what we aim for.
Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo works on his fitness ahead of Tottenham clash (Image: GETTY)
“We have now to get that routine in, 100 per cent, because in the defence you have to be 100 per cent disciplined.
“It’s never about ‘but’ or ‘if’: no, you have to do it. To do it as individuals, to do it as a team.”
Conte, meanwhile, has called on his Tottenham players to show fight as they look to continue their charge towards a potential league crown.
"On Wednesday it will be another important game. I think, compared to last season, we have improved in many aspects,” said the Italian.
"But when you go to play against United, especially at Old Trafford, it will be a difficult game.
“At the same time, I enjoy the fact that this test is coming now. We need to understand very well what are our ambitions and to continue to try to get good results.”
Man Utd players work in a rondo ahead of Tottenham showdown (Image: GETTY)
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He added: "To play at Old Trafford is not simple, not easy. It's not a good place for the opponent.
“There is a fantastic atmosphere but at the same time it's a big theatre, you have to go there and play with personality, play your football, your ideas.
"This period is not a lucky period for United if you compare to 10 years ago but only two years ago, don't forget, United fought for the Premier League and finished second behind City.
"We are talking about a team that, if they don't make big mistakes, they always stay in the top four, play Champions League and fight for the title and trophies.
"I'd like my team to go there and play with personality, with the desire to get three points.
“I think this will be a good step for us to go there to play with personality and try to get a win."
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