Erik ten Hag has explained what he told Manchester United fans after he was spotted pointing at the Stretford End following their 3-0 win over Leicester.
United moved within five points of the Premier League summit on Sunday thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford [2] and Jadon Sancho.
It was the start of what will be a busy week for the Reds, who will come up against Barcelona in the second leg of their Europa League playoff on Thursday before facing Newcastle in Sunday's Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
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After the full-time whistle on Sunday afternoon, footage emerged of Erik ten Hag delivering a rallying message to fans who stayed behind to applaud the players and staff.
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And in his post-match interview, the former Ajax boss was asked about what he said to supporters before heading down the Old Trafford tunnel.
"I said come Thursday," Ten Hag said. "It's a big game, make sure you are there and we beat Barcelona together."
The 53-year-old also expressed his gratitude to the Manchester United Supporters' Trust', who released a statement ahead of the game that implored any prospective bidder to "explicitly commit to backing Erik and his plans to restore United to glory".
The Dutchman added: "I thank the fans for their trust in me. I feel committed with this club, I love to be here but it's not in my influence.
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"What I can influence is the performance of this team and I will give everything to perform as good as possible and to bring them hopefully across limits.
"We are committed with this club and it's our club, it's in our heart. But it's not our job, we are focusing on football and performing, from our team, that is what the players and staff around have to do."
United fans, meanwhile, are struggling to hide their excitement after Ten Hag's 'moment' with Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans in the 3-0 victory.
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Belgium international Tielemans entered the fray in the 59th minute, replacing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
But just before he ran onto the pitch, the former Anderlecht and Monaco midfielder got a slight tap on the back from Ten Hag.
Tielemans has been linked with United, along with a host of other Premier League clubs, and fans think the gesture might be a sign of what's to come.
One fan said: “Did anyone see Erik ten Hag pat Youri Tielemans when he got subbed on? Might be only me but I'd love to see him in a Manchester Utd shirt."
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A second said: "Erik Ten Hag patting Tielemans on the back as he enters the field. Ten Hag cooking for the summer already.”
A third added: "For free in the summer incoming?"
Thoughts on Ten Hag's comments after the Leicester game? Can they beat Barcelona on Thursday?
Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Leicester City, Barcelona
Jack Kenmare