Red Devils boss changes tune after last term’s clash
MANCHESTER United boss Erik ten Hag has seemingly changed his tune on Newcastle United after previously accusing Eddie Howe’s side of time-wasting.
The Dutchman irked Newcastle fans with his comments last season, while former Magpies boss Steve McClaren had to intervene as the two benches clashed at St James’ Park in a fixture earlier this year.
“It’s an annoying team to play against, so we have to find a way,” said Ten Hag back in April. “They try to annoy you, so we have to focus on our game.”
But speaking to reporters yesterday morning, the Red Devils boss had only complimentary things to say about this
afternoon’s opponents ahead of the late kick-off on Tyneside.
“I really respect them,” he said. “It’s a difficult team to play but it’s a good challenge and I like to play against, we have to rise to the occasion, be on our best against them because the way they play is very organised.”
Newcastle will arrive at the clash hoping to exact some revenge after late heartbreak in Paris earlier this week.
Kylian Mbappe’s 98th-minute penalty, awarded in dubious circumstances, denied Howe and his players a famous win on the continent.
24 hours later, Manchester United were also leaving Europe with only one point.
Ten Hag’s men drew 3-3 with Galatasaray in Turkey, leaving their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
“On Wednesday, we played very good, also in Copenhagen,” Ten Hag added.
“Even in Bayern Munich we played very good. But we have to do some things better.
“Eliminate individual errors, defensive transition, but we can sort this out and I would be more concerned if we didn’t play well.”