Erik ten Hag press conference: Man Utd v Newcastle

Ten Hag on injuries, Hojlund and Fernandes' future

Erik ten Hag has spoken to the media before Manchester United's Premier League game against Newcastle.

Here are the main lines from his news conference:

On injuries: "Licha Martinez will return in the squad. He's had some sessions with us and we plan for him to be available if everything goes right in training this afternoon. We have to see if Bruno (Fernandes), (Marcus) Rashford and Willy Kambwala are fit enough."
On Rasmus Hojlund's form: "He has had three injuries this season but still he scored 14 goals. That's a very good record for a young player. When we decided to go for him we bought a player for this season and the future. He has to develop. He needs time. Sometimes it goes up and down. But he is a very strong character. I am more confident he's close."
On Bruno Fernandes' future: "It's the same question as last week. In all the years he was a tremendously important player for Manchester United and created the most chances across the Premier League. It's clear he's a very important player for us."
On facing Newcastle: "When you look at the ranking - Newcastle seventh, Man Utd eighth - it's very important to get the win. We have to fight hard for it."
On fan reaction: "At Palace, they were magnificent. Maybe the expectations are lower but I don't want to say the mood, the vibe, they create is lower. They backed the team at Palace and (against Arsenal) last Sunday."
On the likelihood of Raphael Varane featuring again for Manchester United before he leaves at the end of the season: "We are planning, definitely, for the last games. Not tomorrow but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game."