Erik ten Hag sets out Man Utd vision at Old Trafford unveiling

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Paul Higham
·3 min read
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  • Manchester United
    Manchester United
    LiveTodayTomorrowvs--|
  • Erik ten Hag
    Dutch association football manager and former player
  • Cristiano Ronaldo
    Cristiano Ronaldo
    LiveTodayTomorrowvs--|

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag knows he has a big job on his hands trying to turn things around at Old Trafford.

The former Ajax manager was speaking for the first time as the new Red Devils boss, and he accepts it's a "big challenge" he has taken on.

Ten Hag says a Premier League title challenge is some way off, but feels there is still untapped potential within his current squad.

He will have to bring in new players, and get rid of some, from the squad that finished sixth and a whopping 35 points behind Manchester City.

"The current situation is obviously not that good," Ten Hag told MUTV. "It's a big challenge."

How will Man Utd play under Erik ten Hag?

Ten Hag knows how he wants to play, but says he may have to adapt to what he has in the squad - but the emphasis will be on attacking with energy.

"In certain positions we want to renew the squad," he added. "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. "I want to build and construct a team who are battling for each other, who are unified and who will get results. "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. "The way we did it (at Ajax) - with dominant, dictating football - that is the way I want to act in Man United as well. But finally the competence and the quality of the people - so the players - decide how you have to play.

"We have to do attacking football. We have to do the pressing, the total high-pressing - that is a similarity also - and the adventurous football."

Ronaldo has Old Trafford future, but title challenge way off

Asked if Cristiano Ronaldo had a future in his team, Ten Hag was short and to the point, answering: "Of course." And when asked to elaborate, followed up with: "I talk first with Ronaldo before I talk with you."

Ten Hag does not feel it is a risk to take up the job, but admits a title challenge is some way off in this big project.

"I don't think about that (a title challenge) at this moment," he said in his first press conference as United boss.

"I'm thinking that this is a project and it takes time. We want to win every game. We go from game to game and then we'll see.

"I've already met big coaches and big teams in the Premier League and I know how to deal with that.

"But it's clear, the Premier League is the biggest league in the world I think and I'm looking forward to battling with them."

The article Erik ten Hag sets out Man Utd vision at Old Trafford unveiling appeared first on Planetsport.com.

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