Ten Hag: I think we can make steps forwards

Alejandro Garnacho’s late finish was cancelled out by an even later effort from City’s Bernardo Silva, forcing penalties, which the Reds narrowly lost.

Despite this, United looked threatening throughout, with the performances of Garnacho and Amad in particular standing out ahead of the start of the Premier League season on Friday – against Fulham at Old Trafford.

Speaking to MUTV and other media outlets following the disappointing defeat in the capital, Erik was keen to remain positive, reiterating the importance of using the loss as fuel for the new campaign.

USE PAIN AS MOTIVATION

“You have to feel the pain. You have to get fuel from it to make it a successful season but also take the positives that we can bring, against a very good ball-playing team, press on the ball and we can, against a very good pressing team, outplay them.”

PASSIONATE REDS

“I was very pleased. After half an hour we were very competitive and we came in the fight and we were passionate in the fight and that is what we demand from our players. It was very good and we can take this into next week [against Fulham].”

THIS PERFORMANCE GIVES US CONFIDENCE

“The league start is the most important. I think we can take a lot of positives from this game, and it will give us confidence but also a little bit of pain in our stomach. When you are twice leading – in the game and in the penalties – then you have to feel the pain. We were very close but [did] not [win] a trophy.”

PLEASED TO BE BACK

“I missed [our fans] so much. I am so happy we are back. I am really looking forward to the season. Starting on Friday against Fulham. We have some days to prepare and we have to use them. We have to use them and start against Fulham.”

WE HAVE A GOOD TEAM

“We worked and we had a competitive team. That is the responsibility for all of us. It is from players in the first place to be available and then for the staff to work with them, to support them, make them fit and keep them fit. When players are available we have a very good team.”

PLAYERS COMING BACK

“I just checked with the doctor, and the doctor was the person I spoke to most last season, and it seems that everyone is [starting to] come good. [There is] a little knock with Harry [Maguire] but we hope he can keep fit and available for next week when we start the season against Fulham.”

NEW ERA, NEW ENERGY

“We are going in the new season. I am very pleased with the new structure. We are working very good together. The team was always good but I think we can make steps forwards. I think from pre-season, and also today, we can take positives but I think if we step up and are more clinical in both boxes, then we can be a successful team.”