Erik ten Hag says Manchester United's six-year trophy drought is “too long” ahead of their EFL Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
United's last trophy was the Europa League under Jose Mourinho back in 2017, since when they have reached two finals and four semi-finals. Ten Hag is aiming to end that drought – United's worst since their barren spell between 1977 and 1983 - and told his platers winning is the best feeling.
“It's the best feeling you can have, winning a trophy, and I have had the luck in my career to win some trophies and it's magnificent, especially for the fans,” said Ten Hag.
“It's so great and I think the fans here have some experience of that, especially the older ones. In this period, Manchester United didn't win trophies and it's too long ago. We are aware of that fact and we have to do it again.
“It's about winning trophies, so we have a good opportunity, but we have to go game from game. Now we play Nottingham Forest over two legs, so focus on the first leg. I don't think further ahead because that will distract and so the aim for tomorrow is win that game.
"It's a long time since United played at Nottingham Forest [1999, when United won 8-1]. But I think we like that, it's nice to play in front of a fanatic audience. It will be a good atmosphere and I think it will motivate the players and we have to get ready for that.
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“We're not successful for the moment, because in January you don't win trophies. In February you can win one, so we have to aim for that and go for that. It's more about getting in the right positions in April to go for trophies.”
Reflecting in United's 3-2 Premier League defeat at Arsenal o Sunday, Ten Hag said he and his players had already got over that disappointment.
“We left it behind and we said the right conclusions,” said Ten Hag. “Then we have to move forward and quickly because tomorrow is a big game and we have to focus on that.”
