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Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag sends message to 'mad' Everton and drops Rasmus Hojlund update
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag addressed the media ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Everton.
Everton will create hostile atmosphere ahead of Man Utd clash | Football Digest
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has weighed in on Everton's 10-point deduction ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Goodison Park. The Red Devils boss has also been handed a double injury boost, but it's still uncertain whether Rasmus Hojlund will feature on Merseyside.
Ten Hag will expect a hostile atmosphere this weekend in the first game since the Premier League docked Everton 10 points for breaching financial rules.
The Toffees were dealt the heaviest punishment in the competition's history after being found to have overreached their maximum losses of £105m over three years by £19.5m.
It leaves Sean Dyche's side second from bottom on just four points after 12 games, and supporters are expected to make their anger known during Sky Sports' broadcast on Sunday.
Ten Hag understands that Everton will be 'mad' over their sanction and has called on his players to match the energy they are bound to display.
"It's always about us. I can see the opposition; I can see they are mad. Finally, it's about us," Ten Hag explained.
"If they are mad, that's their fuel. We have to match those standards. If we match the standards, we have a very good chance to win the game.
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"I don't know the details about [the points deduction]. I don't have an opinion. I can imagine Everton fans are very mad. We can do nothing about it. We have to match their standards."
United enter the weekend as the Premier League's form team, winning four of their last five games to move within five points of the top four.
Ten Hag has been struck with a couple of injury worries in the build-up, adding to his relentless woes this term.
Hojlund suffered a problem in the 1-0 win against Luton Town and withdrew from Denmark duty. Then, Andre Onana endured the same fate, being forced off during Cameroon's 1-1 draw against Libya.
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However, Ten Hag has confirmed that Onana is fit to feature against Everton. And he's also received a significant boost in the form of Luke Shaw, available for selection after returning to training this week.
He added: "Andre is okay. He stepped in training today, he's good. Luke Shaw will be available for Sunday. He will be in the squad."
Ten Hag revealed that Jonny Evans remained out of contention, though, and was more reluctant to suggest he would risk Hojlund. But the 20-year-old has trained and will be the subject of a late fitness test.
"Rasmus still is a close finish. He's training, he finished outside, making very good steps. We have to wait until tomorrow, and we will make a final decision."