Newcastle's time-wasting is 'annoying', claims Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag ahead of EFL Cup final

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has dubbed Newcastle as an «annoying» team due to their time-wasting ahead of the sides' clash in the EFL Cup final on Sunday. The Dutch manager told reporters that he is expecting Eddie Howe's side to continue their tactics of running down the clock at Wembley and has called on both his players and the referees to put a stop to it. Ad «It's a great team with a clear philosophy,» said Ten Hag.

«It's an annoying team to play against, so we have to find a way. They try to annoy you, so we have to focus on our game.» Premier LeagueRejuvenated Sancho 'does not know his limits' – Ten Hag19/02/2023 AT 17:34 When asked to expand on what he meant, he said: “Annoying. They try to annoy you.

If you see from the FA, referees want to play effective time. [Newcastle] have the lowest in the league, they are quite successful with it. It's up to us to get speed in the game, but we are dependent on the refereeing as well.

«I don't know the instructions of the opponents. I can't influence that. We have to make it our job to focus on the game.

If we concentrate on that and don't get distracted, we can find the moments when we can strike. Don't get distracted from whatever is on the pitch. We have to find our way.” Nick Pope will not be available for the final due to a suspension after getting sent off in Newcastle's Premier League loss against Liverpool.

»That's for them to sort," said Ten Hag on not facing Newcastle's first choice keeper. «We know it. It's definitely not an advantage [for them].