Erik ten Hag sets Out his Vision for Man United to ‘end the era’ of Liverpool and City Dominance.
Erik ten Hag sets Out his Vision for Man United to ‘end the era’ of Liverpool and City Dominance.
Erik ten Hag has stated that he can shatter the English football duopoly of Manchester City and Liverpool while Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp are still in charge.
After a tumultuous season at Old Trafford, Ten Hag was named the club’s new manager on Monday, succeeding interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
After dominating the domestic game again this season, City and Liverpool fought out another thrilling championship race on Sunday, ending more than 30 points ahead of United, who finished sixth.
When asked if he thinks he can break United’s two biggest rivals’ stranglehold while Guardiola and Klopp are still in charge, Ten Hag said, ‘I think, definitely.’
I admire them both right now. Liverpool and Manchester City both play wonderful football, but an era may come to an end at any time. I’m looking forward to a fight with them, and I’m sure other clubs will as well.
‘I don’t believe this is a danger. I believe that this club has a bright future ahead of it. I’m really looking forward to doing that with the people at the club — work hard, be 100% committed, and I’m confident we’ll succeed.
‘I’ve visited Manchester previously, but this is my first visit to Old Trafford. I’m blown away. It already feels like home. I’m excited about the first match, and the stadium is packed. It’ll be a fantastic adventure.’ I’ve seen a lot in my time.
Manchester United has a long history of successive generations. The atmosphere is usually amazing, and I always look forward to it. Every country has a team that I support, and in England, it is Manchester United.’
When questioned about a timescale for a United championship attempt, he answered, ‘I don’t think about it right now.’
‘I believe this is a project that will take time. Every game is something we want to win. We’ll proceed from game to game and see what happens.
‘I have a good feeling about the people around me, and I have a good feeling about the meetings.’ We’ve made a plan, and now it’s time to put it into action.’
‘This group was second in the Premier League the season before, and there’s enormous potential,’ he remarked, reiterating what he had said in his initial interview. We can get greater results if we enhance and collaborate with them.’
‘We need to set clear goals, and you need individuals with a good mindset.’
‘Players define the style of play; when I have an idea, I’ll put together my finest squad and get the most out of them to make them feel at ease.’ It’s all about working together to achieve success.’
Ten Hag will not talk with the players until pre-season, despite the fact that several will be departing the club this summer. After ending the season as United’s leading scorer with 24 goals, he indicated that he wanted Cristiano Ronaldo to stay.
He was less certain, though, about Harry Maguire’s future as captain after a challenging season for the England defender.
‘Next season will be different, but he did a fantastic job,’ Ten Hag added. ‘He’s a fantastic player who has already accomplished a lot.’ I’m excited to collaborate with him.’
Ten Hag also stated that he chatted with countryman and former United manager Louis van Gaal before taking the position.
However, he seems to dismiss the current Holland manager’s opinion that United is a “commercial club” and that he would be better off “moving to a football club.”
‘The reason [I chose the position] is the enormous potential for the future – that’s why I’m here,’ ten Hag continued, despite the amazing past.
‘I’ve heard [van Gaal’s comments], but I draw my own line.’ I’m confident that will not be the case, and I’ve discussed it with the board of directors – football is number one, two, and three at our club.
‘These days, every club is commercial. Every club need it; to be successful, you must have a high level of income. Football, on the other hand, is one, two, three.’