Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag knows the importance of his squad for the next two matches.
It's Fulham at Old Trafford in the final Premier League game of the season on Sunday, before United take on Manchester City at Wembley in next weekend's FA Cup final. United will firstly look to secure a third placed finish in the league, before finishing the season with another trophy in their hands.
Champions League football has been secured in ten Hag's first season as manager and United are now targeting a positive end to 2022/23. After three successive wins - over Wolves, Bournemouth and Chelsea - United head into the Cottagers clash with confidence at a high. And Ten Hag is desperate for them to stay on that path ahead of the final next Saturday.
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"I think it has to be the routine, that winning attitude has to be always there in every game," said ten Hag. "Every training game has that routine, so bring it on the pitch. It’s one week. It’s about being third but, of course, we have to manage the squad.
"It’s not only about 11 players, it’s about the squad. If we want to win third place, if we want to win the cup then, of course, we need the squad. So we need to look at that and make the right choices.”
Marco Silva's men have equipped themselves well upon their return to the top flight, with a 10th placed finish in the bag for Fulham - regardless of Sunday's results. As always, ten Hag knows the opposition will be right up for the challenge.
"Every team who is facing Man United is extra motivated," added the Dutchman. "We see it always when we see the physical outputs. Every team gives their best, gives 100 per cent. What they can’t do against other opponents, they [can] do against Manchester United.
"We always have to bring more than the opponent. We are looking forward to Sunday. It’s the last game in the league, in front of our home fans, and we have to win."
On the whole, ten Hag reflects on the season in a positive light - with the Chelsea victory United's 40th in all competitions over the course of the campaign. A greater clinical edge is already earmarked as one of United's big tests next season, but for now ten Hag looks back on the progress made and is satisfied.
"Absolutely and I think it tells something about our season, as a squad and as a team, that we did a lot things very well," said the United boss. "A lot of positives in this season, but I think still it’s no time to evaluate the season. We have two games to go, we have to secure third place and then we have to secure the FA Cup."
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