Erik ten Hag dismisses Manchester City as stand-out ‘good team’ in world football ahead of derby showdown

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has dismissed the idea of Manchester City being the stand-out ‘good team’ in the global game, ahead of the weekend’s derby clash.

The comments come fresh off the back of a five-trophy haul from Manchester City in 2023, including a historic treble to match the triumphs of Manchester United back in 1999, defeating their bitter rivals at Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup final en route to the achievement.

That treble success was followed up by two further trophy victories in Greece and Saudi Arabia, as Pep Guardiola and his players went on to claim both the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup through contests against Sevilla, Urawa Red Diamonds, and Fluminense.

Manchester City’s latest trophy-winning credentials will be put to the ultimate test throughout the month of March, as they take on fixtures against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal in the Premier League alone.

Speaking ahead of Sunday afternoon’s showdown at the Etihad Stadium, Erik ten Hag has been asked by the media how he intends on convincing his Manchester United of getting a result at such a formidable stadium in the global game.

“Our form. We are also in a good run,” the Dutch coach responded. “This period is very good, we are united. We are in togetherness and make a good gameplan. We have done (well) before against City and also lately against Liverpool, so we will prepare well.

“The players are ready for it and looking forward to it. I can smell it. I am around here and speak with the players, so we are really looking forward and excited.”

Continuing on whether he and Manchester United ‘fear’ what Manchester City have, ten Hag seemingly dismissed the idea of Pep Guardiola’s side being the stand-out group in world football, despite their exceptional heights across the 2023 calendar year.

“They have a good team but there are more good teams,” ten Hag said. “They have won in the last season, so this last year, everything, but we know and that is the challenge.

“But also Liverpool is a very good team and there are more good teams. We like the challenge and we are looking forward to challenge with them.”

Alongside their challenging fixtures in the Premier League, Manchester City also have a UEFA Champions League last-16 second-leg tie on the horizon as FC Copenhagen travel to the Etihad Stadium trailing 3-1 from the first-leg.

Elsewhere, City also host Newcastle United in an Emirates FA Cup quarter-final clash later on in the month, with the club and supporters knowing that victory will once again send them to Wembley Stadium for the last-four of the tournament they currently hold.