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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes football professionals are always playing for their future when questioned if that was an aspect in his squad.
Ten Hag's comments came less than 24 hours after the Red Devils' UEFA Europa League exit against Sevilla on Thursday (April 20). United were thrashed 3-0 in Andalusia, losing their quarterfinal tie 5-2 on aggregate.
The manner of their defeat led many to question the futures of some players at the club. David de Gea, who runs out of contract this summer, and Harry Maguire, now on the peripheries of the squad, are two who fall into that category. The duo endured terrible outings against Sevilla.
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Ten Hag was asked if some players were fighting for their future at Old Trafford, at his pre-match press conference ahead of his side's FA Cup semifinal clash on Sunday. He responded (as quoted by Manchester Evening News):
"I think we always playing for our future as professional players. Every game is a test; every season is a test; you have to earn the right to wear the shirt. It’s for me as a manager. We are in the same boat. During the season, we make huge progress. We have the experience, but we have a way to go."
Manchester United take on Brighton & Hove Albion in the last four of the FA Cup at the Wembley on Sunday (April 23). Ten Hag reckons the game is an opportunity for his troops to bounce back from their Europa League exit:
"A good thing is Sunday is a huge opportunity, semifinal of the FA Cup, a better event you can’t imagine, after that a lot of great games to go, we have to prove it, and this group of players has to prove it."
Should they beat Brighton, the Red Devils will meet either Manchester City or Sheffield United in the final.
Brighton have beaten Manchester United in their last two meetings
Manchester United haven't always had it easy against Brighton & Hove Albion in recent seasons. They enter their FA Cup semifinal clash having lost their last two meetings with the Seagulls.
The two teams clashed in the penultimate matchday of the 2021-22 Premier League season at the American Express Community Stadium. Brighton ran out comprehensive 4-0 winners, thanks to goals from Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Pascal Gross and Leandro Trossard.
They then met again on the first matchday of the ongoing campaign. Manchester United were at home this time, but the Seagulls won again, winning 2-1 in Erik ten Hag's maiden Premier League game.
Gross' brace put Brighton up by two at half-time, with a 68th-minute Alexis Mac Allister own goal proving to be only a consolation for the Red Devils.
