Manchester United’s new manager Erik ten Hag convinced of success despite ‘big challenge’ ahead at Old Trafford | Football News
Manchester United’s new manager Erik ten Hag says the situation at Old Trafford is “not that good”, but is convinced he can achieve success.
Ten Hag watched from the stands on Sunday as his new side fell to a 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace to bring an end to their worst season in the Premier League era, finishing sixth only because West Ham were beaten 3-1 at Brighton.
The Dutchman, who arrived in London last week to get a head start on his plans for next season, is under no illusions about the task that awaits him and is already focused on his recruitment plans.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Ten Hag was in the stands at Selhurst Park to watch his new side play Crystal Palace on Sunday
Speaking to MUTV, Ten Hag said: “The current situation is obviously not that good. It’s a big challenge.
“I want to build and construct a team who are battling for each other, who are unified and who will get results. Also we are playing in the Theatre of Dreams.
“We want to entertain. But in the end, the intention is to play fantastic football. If we can’t play fantastic football, we still have to win.”
Ten Hag, who confirmed pre-season would begin on June 27, added: “In certain positions we want to renew the squad, but one year ago this squad was second in the league, so there is potential and I’m really looking forward to co-operating with the squad.”
United were considered title contenders at the start of the season after following up a second-placed finish with the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho, but the club have imploded this season under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer and interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
FREE TO WATCH: Highlights of Crystal Palace against Manchester United in the Premier League
“[We must] accept the current situation but also know one year ago, this club, this team was second in the Premier League,” he said.
“There’s potential and now it’s up to us to get that out.
“It’s a process, it will take time but I’m convinced we will come to that point where we get success.
“We have to work hard and it has to be based on the right philosophy and strategy.”
Follow Manchester United with Sky Sports
Follow every Man Utd game in the Premier League this season with our live blogs on the Sky Sports website and app, and watch match highlights for free shortly after full-time.
Want the Man Utd latest? Bookmark our Man Utd news page, check out Man Utd’s fixtures and Man Utd’s latest results, watch Man Utd goals and video, keep track of the Premier League table and see which Man Utd games are coming up live on Sky Sports.
Get all this and more – including notifications sent straight to your phone – by downloading the Sky Sports Scores app and setting Man Utd as your favourite team.
Hear the best Premier League reaction and expert analysis with the Essential Football and Gary Neville podcasts, keep up-to-date with our dedicated Transfer Centre, follow the Sky Sports social accounts on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, and find out how to get Sky Sports.
