Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed his Harry Kane plan and issued a Bruno Fernandes injury update.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted there is a question mark over Bruno Fernandes ahead of Thursday’s crucial Premier League clash at Tottenham Hotspur. And the Dutchman has admitted he has a Harry Kane plan amid strong transfer speculation ahead of the summer.
United travel to Spurs in search of a fourth successive league win, knowing three points would put one foot into next season’s Champions League.
But after picking up a knock in the weekend’s FA Cup semi-final win against Brighton and Hove Albion, Fernandes could miss the game.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Ten Hag didn’t rule the Portuguese playmaker out but admitted he was a doubt.
While providing team news, he said: “There are some unavailable – Martinez, Varane.
“We have to see how Bruno Fernandes is. We don’t know yet. He is a question mark. But I think for the rest, we are quite okay.”
Ten Hag added: “It’s more often that players, we protect them, prevention, but it has to settle down.
Erik ten Hag addressed the media on Wednesday. (Image: MUTV)
“We have seen he played a full game, and it happened in the first half. But tomorrow is quick. We have to see what is possible.”
United could face Kane for the final time on Thursday, with the England captain reportedly Ten Hag’s priority striker signing this summer.
The Dutchman has praised Kane and insists he has a plan to deal with the threat he poses, as United did impeccably in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford.
“It’s quite clear, his impact on the game from Spurs, we have a plan for that and home game we did very well, so for tomorrow we need a very good plan as well,” Ten Hag explained.
“You have to defend as a team. He’s a clever player, don’t allow him to come into the situations. He can have a big impact on the game.”
Erik ten Hag has a ‘plan’ for Harry Kane. (Image: Getty)
United face a tricky eight-day period to navigate in the Premier League, which could cement their top-four status if they come through unscathed.
After Thursday’s trip to Tottenham, United host Europe-chasing Aston Villa – who have picked up 26 points from their last 30 available under Unai Emery – at Old Trafford.
Next Thursday, the Red Devils face a daunting trip to Brighton, also vying for a spot in European competition next term.
The Seagulls will look for vengeance after their FA Cup penalty shoot-out heartbreak at Wembley Stadium last Sunday.
