Whether Davies can make Ten Hag eat his own words remains to be seen, but he has certainly provided the Canadian with the motivation to perform on the biggest stage up against a newcomer to the United team in Pellistri, after Antony was placed on a leave of absence amid domestic abuse allegations, while fellow right-winger Jadon Sancho has had a public falling out with Ten Hag.
Amid a disappointing start to the season that has left United 13th in the Premier League table with just two wins from five games, Ten Hag also laid down the gauntlet to his side to prove that they deserve to be playing such high-profile games.
“Last year we were in a battle to fight to be here,” Ten Hag added. “And this is the place where Manchester United belong, but now we have to prove that we deserve it.”
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