Erik ten Hag dismisses Manchester City as stand-out ‘good team’ in world football ahead of derby showdown

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Published on 2024-02-29 18:18:12

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has rejected the notion that Manchester City is the standout ‘good team’ in global football, just before the upcoming derby match.

This comes after Manchester City’s impressive five-trophy win in 2023, including a historical treble matching Manchester United’s 1999 triumph, where they defeated their rivals in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

Following the treble success, Manchester City added two more trophies by winning the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Pep Guardiola and his team played against Sevilla, Urawa Red Diamonds, and Fluminense to claim these victories.

Despite Manchester City’s recent success, Erik ten Hag remains confident in his team’s ability to compete.

“Our form. We are also in a good run,” the Dutch coach responded. “This period is very good, we are united. We are in togetherness and make a good gameplan. We have done (well) before against City and also lately against Liverpool, so we will prepare well.

“The players are ready for it and looking forward to it. I can smell it. I am around here and speak with the players, so we are really looking forward and excited.”

Continuing on whether he and Manchester United ‘fear’ what Manchester City have, ten Hag seemingly dismissed the idea of Pep Guardiola’s side being the stand-out group in world football, despite their exceptional heights across the 2023 calendar year.

“They have a good team but there are more good teams,” ten Hag said. “They have won in the last season, so this last year, everything, but we know and that is the challenge.

“But also Liverpool is a very good team and there are more good teams. We like the challenge and we are looking forward to challenge with them.”

In addition to their challenging fixtures in the Premier League, Manchester City also has a UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg tie against FC Copenhagen and an FA Cup quarter-final match against Newcastle United.

The club and their supporters are eager to continue their successful run and potentially secure another trip to Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup semi-finals.