Erik ten Hag believes Graham Potter already beating him this season with Brighton has no impact on Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea this weekend.
Manchester United travel to Stamford Bridge to face an unbeaten Chelsea side who are yet to lose since Potter was appointed as Thomas Tuchel’s successor last month.
Chelsea have won five of their seven games under Potter in all competitions, drawing the other two and keeping a clean sheet in their last five outings.
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Potter left Brighton, who won 2-1 at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season back in August, but Ten Hag insists it will have no bearing due to it being a different set of players.
The Dutchman admitted that United are more developed since then and refuses to get into a fight with Potter, saying that is down to the teams on the pitch at Stamford Bridge.
Ten Hag said: “It's nothing, I think from that game. It's a different game , different team. Yes, some different players, we are further in the process so I don't take - of course, I know more about him and the first time he knew maybe more about me.
“And that is maybe an advantage because he may know more about Manchester United in the first game, so now I'm longer in the UK - in the Premier League - so tomorrow, good fight.
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“But it is not a fight between managers, it is a fight between teams: Chelsea, Manchester United.”
He added: "For me it's never an issue, away or home. The pitch is the same size, 11 vs 11, there is a ref. We feel strong and we are looking forward to the game."
As Ten Hag sent Potter a firm warning about previous results not relevant to Saturday’s clash, Potter was full of praise for the work the Dutchman has done since arriving at Old Trafford.
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"I have a huge respect for Ten Hag,” Potter said ahead of the game.
“They've done well, not a great start but they've battled back and played well. It's going to be a tough game.
He added: "It's a game of football. You have to analyse the opponent, think of way you can play.
"They have some top players, they have galvanised into an impressive team. We are looking forward to it."
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Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Chelsea, Premier League, Graham Potter, Manchester United, Football
Matthew Debono