Carabao Cup: Erik ten Hag charges Man United players to defend title

Erik ten Hag has set out Manchester United’s stall in this season’s Carabao Cup, with the Dutchman intending to repeat the success experienced during his first season with the club.

The Reds lifted the trophy at Wembley in February following a 2-0 win over Newcastle United in the final.

Our defence of the silverware begins tonight, as Roy Hodgson brings his Crystal Palace side to Old Trafford for the third-round tie.

“It is only a few months since we lifted the Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium and we all remember what a great feeling that was,” Ten Hag begins.

“It was an important competition for us last season and that has not changed this year.

“We want to defend the trophy, so as we welcome Roy Hodgson and Crystal Palace tonight, this is an opportunity for us to keep moving in the right direction.”

After a difficult start to the season, Ten Hag is also hoping Saturday’s spirited win at Burnley can prove to be a turning point.

This is the first of four consecutive home games for United ahead of the October international break and the boss wants to see his side put a run of results together now.

“We want to win so we can reach the fourth round, of course, but it is also important for us to build on the positive performance and result we earned at Burnley on Saturday evening,” Erik added.

“Consistency is what we need now, not only from game to game but also within games. Even among our defeats this season, we have had some good spells of play and shown real quality, only to let ourselves down at key moments.

“Now, after showing a lot of character at Turf Moor, we need to follow one good result with another and keep building.”