Following on from a two-game winning streak, Manchester United’s next test in the Premier League comes on Thursday as they prepare to face Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City.
The Foxes have endured some early season difficulties so far, having not won a game and sitting rock bottom on one point however, United boss Erik ten Hag believes they will still cause his side problems.
Foxes on the hunt for their first win
After narrowly missing out on Champions League football in consecutive seasons, Leicester finished eighth in the league last campaign, with the squad in need of a rebuild due to the recent departures of Wesley Fofana and Kasper Schmeichel.
Ten Hag though still spoke highly of his sides next opponents in his press conference on Wednesday.
He said: “I’ve seen a couple of games and also, we knew from the last seasons how good they are. You can also see that in the games they’ve played till now. The identity is really good to see. They play really good football, so we have to be really good to get a result there.”
On Tuesday, Rodgers confirmed midfielder James Maddison will face a fitness test ahead of the game.
Should Maddison be available, it will be a huge boost for Leicester.
As for Ten Hag’s side, they’ll be aiming to make it three games in as many on Thursday.
After wins against Liverpool and Southampton, Ten Hag sees it as a ‘start’.
He said: “I think we have now, [a] good base. This is the minimum what we have to bring. I was happy to see the turn and we have to keep that and to keep this period and to keep this winning mentality because you need it if you want to get a successful season.”
The latest recruit from Amsterdam
Earlier this week, United announced they had reached an agreement with Ajax for winger Antony, but the move for the Brazilian is still subject to a medical, player terms and international clearance.
When asked of what the 22-year-old will bring to the side, Ten Hag joked: “First we have to sign him.
“There is an agreement between the clubs, but the paperwork is not done so I cannot go too deep in that factor,” he said.
Ten Hag is aware that his options in attack are limited, hence the need to splash such a high fee on Antony.
He said: “[In our] offensive department, still we need to strengthen our squad because we have many games to cover. From now on, we go in to three games a week, every three or four days.”
The Dutchman is known for his proactive style of football and knows this takes a toll on those in his forward line.
Ten Hag said: “As you know, especially for offensive players, they are quicker fatigued because they have to run more with high intensity. We expect that from them and our way of play, so we need numbers there but not only numbers, we don’t only need quantity, we need quality.”
Ten Hag also hopes to have his latest signing available for Sunday’s game against Arsenal.
With the transfer window slamming shut on Friday midnight, United have reportedly completed a deal for Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Although the deal has not been officially announced by either side, Ten Hag thinks the Slovakian will be the last of the incomings for this summer.
He said: “For this window, that will be the end. But when there is a great opportunity, you have to be always alert as a top club.”
On outgoings, the former Ajax manager kept the same stance.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has not started for United yet this season, but Ten Hag did say he will not leave in the remaining days of the window.
He said: “Aaron will stay. This squad, we will go from September to minimum January. We will play with this squad this season,” also ruling out any potential move for striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
United’s number seven has been linked with a move away all summer, but it looks as though Ronaldo will not get what he wants.
One Antony to another
Just like Antony, another attacker who will also miss the trip to Leicester is the injured Anthony Martial.
The Frenchman suffered an Achilles injury in training last week, but one player who could feature is centre back Victor Lindelof.
Ten Hag confirmed: “Victory Lindelof is training with the team. We will see today how far he is but just one session he was in. He was out for 2-3 weeks.”
The Sweden international will most certainly find it difficult to gain his place back in the side.
Fellow defenders Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have formed a strong partnership over the previous two games, even side-lining club captain Harry Maguire.