Ten Hag takes positives from busy schedule

United chief tells players to make most of run of games before World Cup

- RICHARD FAY

UNITED boss Erik ten Hag feels his players will make the most of their hectic schedule ahead of the World Cup break.

The Reds head to Aston Villa today on the back of Thursday's night's 1-0 win away to Real Sociedad, which meant their progress from the Europa League group stages will be into a potentially tough knockout round play-off tie.

There is little time for the squad to regroup, with Villa then coming to Old Trafford for a Carabao Cup tie next Thursday followed by a trip to Fulham before club action goes on hold until after Christmas.

Ten Hag, though, believes his squad will take it all in their stride as United bid to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 10 games.

"It is about recovery, food, sleep and getting ready for the next game," the Dutchman told United club media.

"The players want to play, they want to play matches rather than training, so they are looking forward to the next game. We have a lot of games, that is clear, but also it is an opportunity for this squad to develop and to get into the process.

"We go from game to game. Focus on the next game at Villa Park in Birmingham, (with a) nice ambience, and get ready for that."