Ahead of a crucial Carabao Cup final showdown on Sunday, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag called Newcastle an “annoying” team and questioned their time-wasting tactics this season.
United has gone nearly six years without a trophy and they will be aiming to win their first under Ten Hag’s era. Meanwhile, Newcastle has reached its first cup final since 1999 and is attempting to win its first trophy since 1969.
The Red Devils were left frustrated by Newcastle in their 0-0 stalemate at Old Trafford in October, and United fans were not happy with Nick Pope’s time-wasting strategy.
Only Leeds United has had the ball in play for less time this season than the Magpies in the Premier League. Newcastle has been accused of employing time-wasting in order to grab points this season. Mikel Arteta was upset when Arsenal drew 0-0 against the Magpies, a game in which the ball was in play for only 52% of the time.
Similarly, Ten Hag is adamant that his team must find a way to play around these poor tactics. The Dutch manager criticized his Wembley opponent for using such tactics to snatch a draw.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, the gaffer said:
“Yeah. For instance, so if you see from the FA, the referees want to play an effective time. They have the lowest in the league and they are quite successful with it.
So it’s up to us that get speed in the game and we are also then dependent on the refereeing as well. I’m not in the instructions of the opponents, so I don’t know (if Newcastle will miss Pope’s time-wasting). Also, I can’t influence that.”
“We have to make it our game, so focus on the job and playing football when the ball is in the game, it’s about that, so fully concentrated on that.”
United will get a major boost as Newcastle is set to miss their Nick Pope for the final match on Sunday. Hence, former Liverpool keeper, Loris Karius, will be given the responsibility in front of the goal.
The Red Devils will be aiming to win their first silverware and end their trophy drought. The travelling United fans will be given a limited-edition scarf with the motive of supporting Ten Hag and his side to lift their first trophy.
