‘More fuel’ - Erik ten Hag makes Everton motivation claim ahead of Man Utd clash

Erik ten Hag has said Everton will be especially fired up for Sunday’s Premier League game against Manchester United.

It’s the first match since the Toffees were handed a 10-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules, although the Merseyside club feel aggrieved at the extent of the punishment. Irate fans have organised banners and flags to be distributed ahead of the game to protest against the magnitude of the team’s sentence.

Supporters are also planning a march to Goodison Park before kick-off on Sunday, while the Premier League’s anthem is expected to be booed. It’s set to be a daunting atmosphere for United, who struggled to cope with the intensity of the home support in a 1-0 loss at Goodison two seasons ago.

But the Red Devils have won their last three league matches on the road and Ten Hag said he is confident his side will step up in three daunting away trips to Everton, Galatasaray and Newcastle United over the space of a week.

“All games are very important, but our away record this season so far is very good,” the Dutchman told beIN SPORT.

“We can take confidence and strong belief into those games. But [we need to] go from game to game, the first game is the most important - Everton - and we’re looking forward [to it].”

Asked if he feels Everton will be fired up for Sunday’s game, he replied: “That’s definitely the case.You have to take it like it is but of course, they get more fuel but that can also work against them.

“But it’s not about that, it’s about us. We have to focus on the game and our way of playing. We have to make sure we are ready and we start the game with the right attitude. It’s always about a winning attitude.”