‘Step up’ – Erik ten Hag reiterates game plan to United players ahead of Aston Villa clash

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reiterated to his players that every game must be approached like a cup final.

It’s an important point and one that, as fans, we want to see the players take on board today because it’s a must win at Villa Park against a side that have shown better form than us this season.

Villa are currently fifth and a win today would take them into fourth, 11 points clear of United. It’s not something we want to see as reality at 7pm because it would throw our Champions League hopes into serious doubt.

Ten Hag spoke to MUTV ahead of kick-off and said (via Manchester Evening News): “Yeah, it’s the case [every game is like a final] because we have to catch up. So we are improving, but today we must take the next step, another final and we have to improve.

“Everyone, the whole team, every individual, we have to step up. First you need good organisation, then get into the duels and win them. We have to challenge them but also on the ball.

“We have to be secure, create spaces and have to go behind their high line, we have to make the runs. We have to work for the win and make it happen. It’s up to us.”

Harry Maguire starts alongside Raphael Varane due to Lisandro Martinez’s absence. The England international is down to play on the left side of defence today. He will be tasked with playing the ball out of defence and it needs to be quick if we’re to get our attacking players into the best positions in the final third.

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