Why there isn't an Erik ten Hag press conference ahead of Manchester United vs Newcastle

Manchester United are back in action on Wednesday night yet there is no press conference on Tuesday ahead of the game.

United will be eager to get back to winning ways and restore some pride after once again being left humiliated by their neighbours in Sunday's Manchester derby. Manchester City ran out comfortable 3-0 winners which has led to yet another deep inquest into the litany of problems at the club.

Erik ten Hag would no doubt have plenty of difficult questions to face if he were to face the press but United have opted against holding a media briefing ahead of their next fixture. In a replay of last year's final, United will take on Newcastle at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup round of 16.

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Unlike with the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, there is no requirement for managers to hold press conferences ahead of Carabao Cup ties. As a result, clubs often skip the formality in the early rounds of the competition and United have decided to do just that this time around.

Newcastle will be eyeing revenge on United after their 2-0 defeat at Wembley earlier this year. Eddie Howe's side underwhelmed in their first final since 1999 - where they also lost to United - with goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford making the difference.

However, they will be buoyed by the fact they have already beaten one Manchester side in this year's competition after eliminating City in the last round with a 1-0 win at St. James' Park. Newcastle haven't won in two matches after losing to Borussia Dortmund and drawing with Wolves at the weekend but will feel confident against a downtrodden