Before United head to Blackpool in this weekend’s Emirates FA Cup tie, we spoke to Mark Hughes.
Speaking to CUTV, he discussed last weekend’s performance against Tamworth, the team’s attacking form, squad depth, the challenge ahead against Blackpool and the excitement of the FA Cup.
Here is everything we learnt.
1. PERFORMANCE AGAINST TAMWORTH WAS ENCOURAGING
“Really pleased. Important to get the three points, and for the most part the performance was right up where we wanted it to be.”
2. CHANCES ARE BEING CREATED IN ABUNDANCE
“We had over 30 shots on goal [against Tamworth], which is a huge number. Obviously, we weren’t able to convert as many of those good chances, but I never felt we were in danger of losing the game.”
3. CLINICAL FINISHING NEEDS TO IMPROVE
“At some point, someone will be on the back of a bigger defeat than they would want because of the amount of quality opportunities we’re creating. We just need to be a little more clinical, maybe take games away from teams a bit earlier.”
4. GOALS ARE COMING FROM DIFFERENT AREAS
“Confidence is high, so we’re getting goals from other areas as well. Georgie Kelly got back on track with his goals, and it’s good to see different players getting on the scoresheet.”
5. REGAN AND OTHER PLAYERS ADD REAL THREAT
“Regan is still having a massive impact. Teams will try to negate his threat, but that opens opportunities for others. It’s about balancing going for goal individually and passing to someone in a better position.”
6. SQUAD DEPTH IS STRONG
“Predominantly the squad’s strong and we’ve got good numbers, which gives me flexibility if I want to change things up. Everyone is ready for a busy period ahead.”
7. RECOGNITION FOR MANAGER OF THE MONTH IS NICE, BUT CHALLENGE REMAINS
“It’s unbelievable at the top end of the National League. The top 10 teams have lost seven out of 60 games in current form - that’s the challenge for everybody. We just need to keep our run going.”
8. FA CUP VICTORY AGAINST READING BOOSTS CONFIDENCE
“We felt on the day we just needed one goal, and once we did get it, it seemed destined we would at least get a draw and take our chances in extra-time. It gives us confidence that we can compete at a really good level against good players.”
9. GOING TO BLACKPOOL WITH BELIEF
“We’re going in with confidence, which is ideal for a lower-league team going up against higher-league opposition. It’s a big day, with a massive following, and we want to give a good account of ourselves. It’s a free shot for us, really.”
10. FOCUS IS ON SUNDAY, NOT LEAGUE POSITIONS
“The lads are very focused on the game against Blackpool. We’re not looking too far ahead - just making sure we prepare properly for a good FA Cup tie with all the right ingredients.”
11. TRAINING REFLECTS POSITIVITY
“Training’s been really good at the moment. The players are driving the levels themselves, and we’re in a good place. That shows in what we’re doing every day.”
12. EXPECTING A TECHNICAL CHALLENGE
“Blackpool like to get the ball down and play. We’ve discussed their style and have a game plan. If you let a good team have time and space, it becomes a long day, so we’ve got to impose our way of playing and be clinical with our chances.”
13. SUPPORTERS WILL BE A HUGE BOOST
“Heading there with 3,500 travelling fans is great for us. Fans are there to enjoy an afternoon by the seaside, and we want to get a really positive result for everybody.”
14. CONNECTION BETWEEN TEAM AND FANS IS STRONG
“We’re getting huge followings home and away, and that’s really important. It enables us to keep our level high - there’s no slacking, and the support pushes us on.”
15. THE MAGIC OF THE FA CUP REMAINS
“As a young boy, the dream was always to play in the cup final. It’s always been a big part of my career and remains special. My days as a player are gone, but I can share that experience and knowledge with the lads - the message is go out, enjoy it and see where it takes you.”
16. REACHING ROUND THREE WOULD BE HUGE
“Getting into the third round is a big step - one of the significant dates in the calendar. If we’re in the mix, there’s a chance to play one of the big boys, which is always exciting.”
