Erik ten Hag is “100% convinced” that his plan will lead Manchester United to success.
The Dutchman was hired in the summer and has been tasked with a huge rebuild at Old Trafford. He has set about implementing his philosophy in pre-season whilst making it clear what he expects of his players and their conduct in a bid to reset the culture in the north west.
United have been through several managers in the years since Sir Alex Ferguson, but are currently on a trophy drought that dates back to 2017. There has been criticism over the club’s haphazard appointments, with no clear blueprint in place, which Ten Hag is now hoping to bring.
The former Ajax boss accepts that his time in Manchester will be no smooth ride, but is confident that the plan he has will be effective. He said: “Every game will be a challenge. There will be setbacks and disappointments. We have to deal with that. That is sports life. That is attitude we all need. In end if you have a good plan, you will achieve success. Am 100% convinced of that.”
Ten Hag will begin life as United boss with a home game against Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford. His pre-season preparations began with a win over Liverpool, which has led to a general sense of optimism ahead of the season opener.
The Red Devils boss said: “I really look forward [to it]. It’s really exciting to start on Sunday and we had a pretty good pre-season. I think the squad works really well. We progress, we bring in a way of playing and we’re looking forward to start the season.”
He continued: “Yeah I think we came together during pre-season and therefore the tour was good because all day you are together, so we came, I think it’s quite good to be home again and it’s a collective and now we have to show it on the pitch. This is important. We are Man United, we have to win every game. That will be the approach for every game.”
United finished sixth last season and are expected to improve on that showing despite a frustrating transfer window. Ten Hag has missed out on key target Frenkie de Jong but has bought in Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia as he begins to shape his squad.
The ongoing uncertainty around Cristiano Ronaldo’s future has provided an unwanted distraction for the club and Ten Hag in recent weeks. The Dutchman continues to be quizzed on the situation, which has threatened to undermine the new boss early in his tenure.
