Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, has pushed his team to “raise the bar” and find “consistency” in order to meet the goals he has set for them.
Ten Hag described his first season in English football as one of growth at Old Trafford.
United broke a six-year trophy drought and regained their position in the Champions League with a third-place performance that has only been surpassed twice in the decade since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
However, there were some terrible disappointments along the way, including a 4-0 defeat at Brentford, a record 7-0 humiliation at Liverpool, a 3-0 loss to Sevilla, and, finally, being defeated in the FA Cup final by Manchester City.
They have added midfielder Mason Mount and goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer, and a deal for Denmark attacker Rasmus Hojlund has also been agreed, bringing their summer spending to a minimum of £166 million.
Negotiations for the club’s sale are still ongoing, meaning the Glazer family will almost certainly be in charge when they kick off their new season against Wolves on August 14.
Ten Hag addressed a lot of themes in an extensive interview in San Diego before his team’s last US tour game against Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas on Monday.
Reminiscences of his first year in command
“There are always surprises, some good, some bad.” You must deal with them as a manager, handle the situation, and act. You are continually learning.
“All levels rose dramatically, which was necessary. We were more dominant and created more opportunities.
“But we’re still not where we want to be.” We must raise the bar and progress to the next level.”
How far he believes the team can go
“We proved last season that we can beat any opponent and that we don’t have to fear anyone.” But it also demonstrated that we are incapable of doing so on a constant basis. That is the first move we must take.”
Is an inordinate amount of time being spent discussing Harry Maguire’s captaincy, as it was with Cristiano Ronaldo’s future last season?
“You may have that impression, but I don’t, not last year, not this year.”
“We’re working on a project.” We want to win trophies, so we must invest in the style we play and in the team. And we are not concentrating on a single player.”
Rasmus Hojlund’s impending arrival
“I’ve been in football for a long time. We need to finish something first, then we can chat. You must remain calm and let the specialists to do their jobs.”
Andre Onana will take over for David de Gea.
“He’s a great goalkeeper with a unique profile.” That’s why we were interested in signing him. Something will alter in our game with him.”
On whether or not this is now ‘his’ squad
“I wouldn’t describe it as an Erik ten Hag squad.” It’s the demands of professional football. We must either discover new players or raise the level of those who are already present.
“Tours are good for team building and for new players to learn about the values and standards that exist on and off the field.” It helps that the guys we’ve signed are already here, settling down and making social relationships. Football is a team sport that requires collaboration.”
The Saudi Pro League is having an impact on English clubs due to player negotiations.
“There’s money over there, and it draws players.” It has an impact in Europe.
“However, I don’t see it as a problem for the Premier League right now because this is where the big players want to play.” And that does not put it in the same league as America or Saudi Arabia.”
Collaboration with the Glazer family
“My job is to improve the team, so I work hard to sign players and improve our game.”
“That is my focus area and what I have done so that I am not distracted from any strategic review.”
“However, we have a good information line.” The majority of the time, it is through (CEO) Richard Arnold or (football director) John Murtough. But we do have direct contact on occasion.”
