Dean Holden has outlined how Charlton Athletic are planning to stop Manchester United’s attacking threats this evening at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils, who are through to the last 16 of the Europa League, have scored 27 goals this season in the Premier League.
Charlton are travelling to the 13-time Premier League winners with a place in the EFL Cup semi-final available for the winner.
The Addicks have only lost one game – the 3-1 defeat away at Oxford United – since Holden replaced Ben Garner permanently.
Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford all started the last round – a 2-0 win against Burnley.
“One thing we have concentrated on in the last couple of games was making sure that we’re really solid and compact as a team,” said Holden of how to contain United’s attacking threats.
“We were really stretched in that Oxford game in the first half – we got pulled all over the place.
“We have got to make sure that the distances are really good. It has given us a really good platform in the last couple of games to go and spring our attacks.
“That won’t change, irrespective of who we’re up against.”
Marcus Rashford has scored 13 goals and picked up six assists this season in all competitions.
“What a player,” said Holden when asked how he plans to stop Rashford from scoring in eight consecutive Old Trafford appearances.
“I’m so pleased for him. He had his little misdemeanour where Erik left him out of the starting line-up, which again shows you the culture that the manager has set.
“It’s good to see Marcus getting good headlines again. He’s a fantastic young player, but people forget what he did and the work he did, not just in the Manchester area for the kids but also all around the country.
“On the back of that, he started to get slated a little bit, which I thought was really poor.
“It’s nice to see him on the right side of the headlines again. Whoever plays in that position along the front line, we have to make sure that we’re bang at it.
“They have got so many young players, and they’re in a good moment as well.
“It’s probably as difficult a time as any to go there. But we will go there and try and enjoy it.”
Discussion about this post