Erik ten Hag has named three Manchester United players who must ‘step up’ in order for the club to register more major silverware.
United lifted the Carabao Cup last term in Ten Hag’s first season as manager and they came close to another trophy with a runner-up finish in the FA Cup.
The Red Devils could finish the current campaign without a trophy, though, having crashed out of Europe and this season’s Carabao Cup.
Ten Hag’s side are miles behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and this year’s FA Cup is likely to be their only chance of securing a trophy in 2023-24.
United travel to top-flight side Nottingham Forest on February 28 in the fifth round as they look to reach the final at Wembley for the second year in a row.
Speaking ahead of that match, Ten Hag has hailed three youngsters – Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho – but has told the trio that they must go up a level if they are to help bring more trophies to Old Trafford.
‘I think they enjoy to play together, adventure, they want to do it together,’ Ten Hag said in his press conference on Thursday.
They want also to pass the ball to each other and that everyone can play to the qualities and score goals. It is brilliant they want to do it together and that is the key.
‘Young players… the future for Manchester United is quite bright with talent on board, you have to develop it.
‘This club wants to achieve a lot, this club wants to win trophies, very ambitious, so they have to step up and bring high levels. Also against the best opposition they have to express the same threat and it is about end product.’
