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Erik ten Hag: We have a good opportunity but you have to go from game to game

Erik ten Hag: We have a good opportunity but you have to go from game to game
Erik ten Hag is looking to mastermind another win against Arsenal, © PA Wire/PA Images

Manchester United are finalising their preparations ahead of tomorrow's first-leg Carabao Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Many are viewing this competition as United's best opportunity for silverware, with the club three games away from ending their long wait for a trophy.

Large sections of the Old Trafford faithful have been critical of their side's decline, with their last victories coming in 2017 - the Europa League and League Cup double.

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Licking their wounds after Sunday's stoppage-time defeat against title-rivals Arsenal, United manager Erik ten Hag is optimistic about his side's chances.

"It's about that, it's about winning trophies," he said ahead of the fixture.

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"We have a good opportunity but you have to go from game to game.

"Now we play Forest in two legs, we focus on the first leg. Don't think further ahead because it will only distract."

French forward Anthony Martial is absent, as are Diogo Dalot and Jadon Sancho, but Casemiro would be available again after serving a one-match ban in the league.

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Despite suffering defeat at the weekend, his side has shown much improvement and finds themselves in contention across four competitions this season - Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League.

"We have to move forward and quickly, because tomorrow is a big game, so we focus on that," ten Hag added.

"It will be a good atmosphere and I think it will motivate the players. We have to get ready for that."

The game will be played at the City Ground, with action due to get underway at 8.00 pm. The second leg will be played at Old Trafford on the 1st of February.

The competition's other last-four tie takes place this evening.

After seeing off Manchester City in the previous round, Southampton will look to continue their impressive run in the competition.

They host Newcastle in the first leg of their last-four tie, which Saints boss Nathan Jones feels won't be decided tonight.

Kick-off at St. Mary's is at 8.00 pm.

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