Erik ten Hag says Manchester United will have to perform at their best level if they are to earn a result against Frank Lampard’s Chelsea.
The Reds boss praised the way the interim Blues manager organises his sides having already faced him twice this season while manager of Everton. United beat the Toffees 2-1 at Goodison Park in October before earning a 3-1 FA Cup third-round win at home in January.
Lampard's 12th-placed Chelsea fell to a 1-0 defeat by champions Manchester City on Sunday, meaning he has won just one of his nine matches since his re-appointment. Ten Hag says he feels that result was a harsh one on Chelsea and was impressed by their showing.
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Speaking to club media, Ten Hag said: "We know Frank Lampard always prepares his teams very well and we have seen that when we faced Everton twice. Also last weekend against Man City, he did a great job.
“I think when you saw the game, a draw was justified. He didn't get it, but they played very well and we know we have to play our best level if we want to get the right result."
United’s poor record against the ‘big six’ teams this season has been noted and a stoppage-time Casemiro goal salvaged a point for the Reds at Stamford Bridge in October.
Ten Hag refuses to use that game as a reference to how they may fare this time around given what has unfolded during the season since. "It's the past, a long time ago,” he said of the reverse 1-1 draw.
“We know they have great players, so it's a difficult job, and we have to do a difficult task. But we have belief. We are convinced we can do it if we have the right plan, the right attitude from the players and the right team spirit. [If we have those], we will do it."
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