Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has warned against complacency as they host relegation-threatened Southampton at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils were brushed 7-0 by Liverpool last time out but adjusted by seeing off Real Betis 4-1 in the Europa League Round of 16 first leg on Thursday.
Although Southampton are just a place above bottom in the league table, Ten Hag does not believe it will be a walk in the park for his team, citing the Saints’ recent 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
“We have seen two weeks ago Southampton beat Chelsea away, so we have to play an outstanding performance on Sunday to beat [them],” the Dutch tactician said ahead of Sunday’s match. “At the bottom, it’s very close, so they will be on the front foot, they will be aggressive, they will do everything they can do to collect points here.
“So, we have to be 100 per cent and give the best performance to beat them. I think games are good in the process and every game we are in the rhythm and we plan the game.
“We have a game plan, we give them feedback and in the feedback, there is often development points in the way of play.
“So, games are a very good tool to develop the way of play.
“Every game is an exam as a team and as an individual.”
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Ten Hag, who won the Premier League Manager of the Month Award, went on to praise captain Bruno Fernandes for his superb leadership against Betis.
The Portuguese midfielder came under fire for his exasperating attitude against Liverpool and the former Ajax manager asserts the former Sporting Lisbon man needs to find a balance with his emotions.
“I said I am very pleased with his captaincy because he has given the team energy,” Ten Hag continued. “He is not only giving the physical output, the best of the whole team, but also he is running in the right direction and he is pointing players in that direction.
“He is coaching players, he is leading the team in the tactical perspective.
“His emotion is his weapon but sometimes it’s too strong and, yes, of course I help him, I support him and I give him feedback. Sometimes he has to show more to control emotions.
“He has to find the balance when to use the right show as a tool and when to use emotion as a tool. That is the next step. It is a nice development point for him and when he does it, he will be an even better player.
United sit in third place in the league standings, seven points clear of the resurgent Liverpool, with a game in hand still to play for both teams.
