Erik ten Hag has sent an encouraging message to Manchester United supporters ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Red Devils must offer a significantly better performance this afternoon than that of Thursday’s when they went crashing out of Europe after a 3-0 loss (5-2 aggregate) to Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-finals.
They can, however, book their place in the FA Cup final today if they’re able to overturn the rampant Seagulls at Wembley Stadium. United are winless against Brighton since February last year, so redemption can be sought with a victory now.
Kick-off is at 4.30pm and the winner of the tie will face Manchester City on June 3rd after they saw off Sheffield United on Saturday with a 3-0 win.
Ten Hag addressed the media ahead of kick-off and is keen on seeing an improved performance from his players.
Ten Hag’s pre-match message
Speaking to MUTV, he said: “Everyone wants to be in so that tells something about the motivation and, of course, we have to bounce back. We had a really poor performance on Thursday night and this is a great opportunity, a semi-final; you can enter the final, but you have to earn it.
“I think it gives a good feeling when we enter the stadium the memories of the Carabao Cup final, we had a great time here. But, of course, if we want to get it, we have to suffer. We have to play well organised, be brave and play with a lot of belief.”
