Erik ten Hag said winning the League Cup whetted Manchester United’s appetite for more titles as he prepared his side for the FA Cup quarter-finals against Fulham.
United beat Newcastle at Wembley last month to end a six-year trophy drought and are also in the bottom eight of the Europa League, where they face Sevilla.
“Obviously that’s a huge motivation,” said Ten Hag. “We all really enjoyed Wembley, we all really enjoyed winning a trophy and it has to be the fuel for the next one, driven by that idea and that has to bring extra energy to beat Fulham.”
Marcus Rashford made headlines again on Thursday with the winner in the second leg against Real Betis, scoring 30 goals for club and country this season.
Nineteen of those have come since the World Cup and Ten Hag said the England striker has improved over the season.
“He wasn’t in the best form when he started the season either but the way he played gives him a base,” said the United manager on Friday.
“And then he brings his skills and his attitude and mentality and that brings him a lot of progress and that brings a lot of joy to the team and gives Marcus a lot of goals and us a lot of wins.”
Rashford this week praised the influence of Benni McCarthy, who was brought on to the coaching staff from Ten Hag to work with the club’s forwards.
“I knew his ability,” added the Dutchman from Rashford.
“They also bring people who can improve him, who can make progress and who motivate him.
“I thought we needed someone in the team who was specifically responsible for the strikers. Benni is doing a good job but don’t forget the others in the team because it’s all about teamwork. I think the team is in a good balance.”
Casemiro will be unavailable against Fulham on Sunday as he begins a four-game suspension following his red card against Southampton last week.
United are likely to face former midfielder Andreas Pereira, who played a key role at Fulham after joining from Old Trafford last July.
He admitted he avoided speaking to Ten Hag this week before leaving because he didn’t want his former boss to influence him.
“He’s a good player and I’ve known him for a long time,” said Ten Hag.
“I had him in PSV (Eindhoven) youth before he joined Manchester United and I am very happy for him that he is making progress.
“I think it was the right step for him because he has to play regularly.”
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Source : sports.yahoo.com