Man United take on Burnley in the Carabao Cup following the World Cup break, a competition that Pep Guardiola knows the value.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is installing the same ‘culture’ that Pep Guardiola has at Manchester City, as the Dutchman goes all out to win the Carabao Cup this season.
For many, the League Cup is seen as the least important trophy in England. Yet for Ten Hag, the concept of a trophy not being important is something that he is simply not familiar with.
United will take on Burnley in the competition’s round of 16 on Wednesday night as the Reds find themselves up against the Championship leaders in their first game back after the World Cup break. More than a month has now passed since Alejandro Garnacho’s stoppage time winner hit the back of the net against Fulham and the Dutchman knows he needs his side to hit the ground running.
There are some alarming parallels to the opening-day defeat against Brighton that can be made for the Clarets’ trip to Old Trafford. However, the former Ajax manager has made it abundantly clear to his squad that their performance levels at the start of the season are just not acceptable for a club as big as United.
A further plot line simmering in the background to this tie is that former City defender Vincent Kompany will be back in the red half of Manchester, as he stands on the sidelines, marshalling his Burnley side from the away team dugout. Ten Hag will not need to give his side more of an incentive for the match than stopping the Belgian coach from coming away victorious.
There are some alarming parallels to the opening-day defeat against Brighton that can be made for the Clarets’ trip to Old Trafford. However, the former Ajax manager has made it abundantly clear to his squad that their performance levels at the start of the season are just not acceptable for a club as big as United.
A further plot line simmering in the background to this tie is that former City defender Vincent Kompany will be back in the red half of Manchester, as he stands on the sidelines, marshalling his Burnley side from the away team dugout. Ten Hag will not need to give his side more of an incentive for the match than stopping the Belgian coach from coming away victorious.oo
The two clubs may be bitter rivals, but their managers certainly know the value that giving their all to the Carabao Cup can have. After more than a month away from competitive football, United fans are about to be reminded of that very fact.
