Manchester United have only four games left in the season, but Ten Hag wants the team to achieve two goals, first to secure the top four in the Premier League, and then to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final to crush Pep Guardiola's dream of a "treble". In this regard, Ten Hag said that he enjoys such an opportunity, rather than having no desire.
Manchester United need only win two of their remaining three Premier League games to prevent arch-rivals Liverpool from finishing in the top four; A subsequent FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium would destroy the treble hopes of arch-rivals Manchester City. To achieve their goal, Manchester United need to win at least three games.
"With three more wins, the hopes of two sworn rivals were dashed. Yes, I enjoy it." Ten Hag said at Friday's pre-match press conference, "But until then, it doesn't matter at all. We have to continue to do what we've been doing all season, try to improve every day and not look too far."
Pressed on whether United are capable of beating Manchester City and what they will do to win, Ten Hag replied: "I'll give the answer next week, I'll give you the answer."
This week, Qatari oil tycoon Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani made a £5.6 billion bid to buy Manchester United, so the club's transfer will be postponed again. But Ten Hag downplayed the Glazer family's handicap to summer transfer plans if the sale of the club was a hindrance.
"We're doing our job in the background, we're working hard." The 53-year-old Dutchman added: "For me, those are financial issues, about whether there is enough money to do the right thing. I talk to Alexander-Arnold and Mutaugh every day, but first we have to make sure we finish in the top four, which is the focus of the team. If we want to talk about transfers, or if we can be specific and come up with some plans, we will do it immediately and we need to work behind the scenes. However, the most important thing for the team is to play, make sure to get into the Champions League and then the FA Cup final."
Ten Hag also declined to discuss whether United would turn Sabitzer out of Bayern Munich on loan to a permanent transfer, with the 28-year-old Austrian midfielder already out for the rest of the season with a knee injury and his buyout hanging in the air, which may have to depend on whether the Red Devils can buy other new midfield signings.
Sabitzer made 18 appearances and scored three goals for United after joining in the winter transfer window in January, but his contract with Bayern until 2025 has no buyout clause on the Reds' loan deal. Ten Hag said: "We will see the results later, but this is not the main focus, now focus on the game against Bournemouth."
Ten Hag also did not respond to questions about the future of England international Dean Henderson, who was loaned out to Nottingham Forest: "The answer is the same, I am not paying attention to these issues at this moment, including transfers, scouting, etc. I put all my energy into the game. It's an important week, and then there's another crucial week. So, we have to focus and get through the last part of the season."
Finally, the Manchester United boss encouraged the questionable €80 million winger Sancho to keep trying: "I think he's improving. If you see his performance, he played well against Wolves and Tottenham. Yes, he did a great job. So, at this moment, he has a good foundation and must keep improving now."