New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been dubbed a ‘control freak’ by Ajax defender Daley Blind.
Between 2014 and 2018, Blind made 141 appearances for United, and he spent several seasons at Ajax with Ten Hag, winning the Eredivisie title together as recently as 2021/22.
Ten Hag, according to Blind, ‘wants to keep everything near’ and ‘be on top of everything.’
‘He realizes that everyone at Ajax is important,’ Blind added.
‘To develop that winning attitude, everyone needs to be involved.’
“We need everyone pointing in the same direction.” He is well aware of this and wishes to keep everything under his control. He’s also a control freak who feels compelled to be in charge of everything. When you’re that talented, I believe you need to have a certain characteristic’.
After finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, United is desperate for a change of fortune.
After interim manager Ralf Rangnick was ousted, the team had a nightmarish spell under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has now left the club after previously being penciled in to go upstairs into a consultant post.
The Red Devils, who once dominated English football, haven’t won the Premier League since 2012/13 and have been on the decline since famous manager Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down.
Managers such as Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho have tried and failed to restore United’s golden days, but Blind is optimistic that Ten Hag will be the guy to put the club back on track.
‘He’s a genius,’ Blind remarked. ‘What Manchester stands for is a manager who enjoys playing offensive football.’
‘He’s a savvy businessman who understands what he wants.’ He understands precisely how he wants to convey it to the squad and keep everyone on board and pulling in the same way in order to achieve that winning attitude and win trophies.’
However, the Dutchman admits he has no idea when any potential silverware may come.
‘It’s tough to tell, but I believe the most important thing is that the squad puts forth a playing style and fans can see that back on the pitch,’ said Blind, who won the FA Cup and the Europa League during his time at Manchester United.
‘I believe that if it happens, winning will become much easier.’ Trophies are awarded for winning. I’m not sure when this will happen.
‘I believe this manager has the ability, and I hope he is given the opportunity to do things his way and ensure the squad performs the way he desires.’ I feel confident in his ability to succeed.’