Erik ten Hag has warned his Man United players about ‘much better’ West Ham United ahead of Sunday’s clash.
After sealing their place in the last 16 of European competition for the second season running, attentions now turn to Manchester United for West Ham.
A trip to face the fast-improving Red Devils in the Premier League will be a massive step up from the opposition the Hammers have faced this week, which saw wins over Bournemouth on Monday and then SIlkeborg three days later.
West Ham sit within striking distance of Man United and the European spots.
The Hammers will be aiming to maintain their challenge for a top six spot again this season while competing to try and win the Europa Conference League.
Expectations are obviously much greater at Old Trafford, though. Ahead of the clash David Moyes has said the fact West Ham finished just one point off his former club last season shows the Hammers have closed the gap on the likes of Man United.
And despite being new to the league, Ten Hag clearly agrees.
His Man United side will likely face a Europa League play-off against a Champions League drop-out in order to qualify for the last 16 of a competition West Ham made it to the semi-finals in last season.
Erik ten Hag warns Man United players about ‘much better’ West Ham ahead of clash
That’s despite being favourites to win a group containing Real Sociedad, Sheriff and Omonoia.
Now Erik ten Hag has warned his Man United players about ‘much better’ West Ham ahead of the clash at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman says West Ham are ‘much better’ than the teams Man United are facing in the Europa League and says his players must be ready for the step up in quality in all areas.
“They are always playing well organised, highest intensity and always with a really good spirit so it’s going to be a tough opponent to beat them,” Ten Hag says in a Q&A on the Man United website.
“But we have to.
“Obviously, on Sunday, it’s better quality (than the Europa League,” Ten Hag said in his press conference.
“The defending is better, they are physically better, they are technically better, so that’s going to be tough.
“So we have to be really good on the ball, be really dynamic especially to find gaps. We are aware that you have to be good because they have good counters, so (the match against Sheriff) was a good warm-up, but Sunday it will be much tougher.
“We are aware of that.”
Let’s hope West Ham can live up to Ten Hag’s lofty expectations and end David Moyes’s dismal record of having not won away at one of the so-called “top six” in the Premier League in 69 attempts.
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