Key quotes: Ten Hag talks Van Gaal, injuries and more
Erik ten Hag continued to preview Manchester United's FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City in the second part of his pre-match press conference, which included questions about his friendship with former Reds boss Louis van Gaal and the recent form of Rasmus Hojlund.
In part one, Ten Hag covered the upcoming Coventry clash, while he was also asked about Christian Eriksen's game time, Jadon Sancho's loan move and former United striker Mark Robins, who will be his counterpart in the opposite dugout at Wembley Stadium this Sunday.
Speaking to journalists for part two of the press conference at Carrington, ahead of his side's journey to the capital for Sunday's 15:30 BST kick-off, the boss also took questions on how he deals with the spotlight at United and the injuries to his squad.
You can watch the second part of the manager's briefing in full below, or carrying on scrolling for a summary of the key points he made...
Part two: Press conference v Coventry
Press conference part two | Erik answered questions on Mark Robins, Louis van Gaal and more ahead of the FA Cup semi...
IMPORTANCE OF MOMENTS
"Yeah, in football, sometimes it's like this [fine line between success and disappointment]. A goal [like Mark Robins's against Nottingham Forest in United's 1990 cup-winning run], on the post or in the net, makes a huge difference. See 1966, it made England, only one time, but made them a world champion."
DUTCH CONNECTION WITH LOUIS VAN GAAL
"Oh, I have a very good relationship with Louis. But we didn't talk actually, the last time, about United. But, yeah, everywhere where Louis was he had success, he won trophies. And also here at United.
"I'm aware of the game [FA Cup final against Crystal Palace in 2016]. If I watched it at the time, I don't think so. But I'm fully aware of it, that he was the last manager to win the FA Cup with Manchester United."
SPOTLIGHT AT UNITED
"I don't put energy in this, if I am judged fairly or not fairly, that is. I know what we are doing here. I know why I'm here, to bring trophies, to also create, economic value. So we are working on those and, in a process, yeah, you have setbacks.
"I can't get say, going into emotions. No, I see it realistic, I see it rational. And I'm only focusing on my team and to improve my team, to improve the individuals. And that's what I'm here for.
"No, I don't have any concern [about the views of people on the outside]. What concerns me is that in 18 months I have never had my favourite team on the pitch in 18 months."
Ten Hag's team news for Wembley
ArticleThe Dutchman gives the latest on three Reds ahead of our meeting with Coventry City.
DEALING WITH INJURIES
"One time against [Manchester] City last season, in the home game. That was the only time where we had a full squad where I can pick my team. In all the other games, always there was an injury aspect we have to deal with, and that is normal in football, but not as many as we have had.
"And I know when you have so many injuries as we have had, and in crucial key positions, you can't deliver the results you want to bring and that is, yeah, okay, but this is my truth.
"Others can have different truths, but I can't put energy in that."
HOJLUND'S FORM
"He was in a fantastic run and then broke his rhythm and why? The question was why? I think there are also always many reasons why.
"For instance, he was in the moment when he was in that run and we had the moment where we had many players available. We could bring out a strong side. And after he returned, yeah, we have to make compromises and yeah, of course, that is what decreases the performance. And that has also an impact on everyone, so also on the striker."