Erik Ten Hag calls for ‘quicker’ Man Utd to improve despite Nottingham Forest win

Erik Ten Hag has demanded a quicker version of Manchester United after pinpointing how his team can improve on the winning performance over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

The Red Devils won 2-0 on the night thanks to goals from Anthony Martial and Fred, advancing to the final at Wembley.

But Ten Hag was upset with the performance in the first half and outlined what must change for the Red Devils as they prepare for the final against Newcastle.

“We didn't create chances and we allowed them to,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports. “The second half was better, more tempo, we are 3-0 up, don't give them the momentum, they wait for one chance to get back into the game. We are searching for gaps, they played well, defended compact, we didn't find the gaps.

“You have to be smart, they set a trap, don't dive in, don't give anything away, keep the ball, pass it around. We should have done more. Movement in behind, quicker switches, things like that, we didn't create that. We just want to improve every day, we have a good squad, we have to demand high standards, control them, we are not satisfied, I told the players as well, when you're a United player you have to match the standards.

“It’s a luxury problem, the schedule, how we want it, what is normal for a club like Man Utd, to play every third day. We’re looking forward to it. For us, make every next game better than the previous one. We’re looking forward, to go to Wembley, Newcastle, a great team, but it’s far away.”

Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho returned to the pitch for the first time since October, with Ten Hag playing him as a No 10.

“We have done it before,” said the Dutchman. “Bruno out, it’s a different dynamic, Jadon can play as a 10, a winger, we mix it up and around.

“That’s what I like, the position has to be occupied, to keep the discipline, otherwise it’s going to be a mess.”