5 Things We Learnt From Erik Ten Hag’s First Interview As Man United Manager

Man United’s statistically worst ever season is over and just like the fans, the club are wanting to put it all behind them and move forward towards the future with new boss Erik ten Hag.

The Dutch coach spoke to the media for the first time as the official Man United manager earlier today so what 5 things did we learn from this 20-minute press conference.

1 – It Won’t Be A Carbon Copy of Ajax

One of the biggest things about any club is how they play football and Man United have played some horrific stuff over the past number of years.

With ten Hag, fans are expecting an exciting attacking style identical to the one of his former club Ajax.

However, he quickly dismissed this theory and laid it back on the individuals by saying “it is always players dictating the way of play”.

He later outlined how it is a collabrative process and he will adapt his style to the players as much as the players will adapt to his style.

2 – Cristiano Ronaldo Is In His Plans

Cristiano Ronaldo has easily been Man United’s best outfield player this season and again has proven that he can still cut it in a major league.

However, age is a factor against the 5-time Balon D’or winner and fans started to speculate whether he would be in Erik ten Hag’s plans of high octane football for the upcoming season.

The answer to that is yes.

After a very blunt response, the Dutchman told the press that Ronaldo is in his plans to score goals.

Despite this being a vague comment, it does put to bed the rumours that Ronaldo’s exceptional Manchester United career is coming to an end this summer.

3 – Taking The Job Is Not A Risk

Ten Hag has built up and is still building quite a reputation in the modern management game and has been hailed as one of the coaches for the future.

When it was announced that the former Ajax man was taking over at Old Trafford, external fans believed it was a huge risk to his reputation to manage a group of demotivated players that have an unfavoured history of throwing managers under the proverbial bus.

Erik doesn’t see it that way.

“This club has a great history and now let’s make a future” was the words he responded with when quizzed about the risk of accepting this job.

4 – Hired Coaches Based Off Success

Steve McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag have been appointed coaches to work alongside Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

While van der Gaag worked under ten Hag at Ajax, many fans questioned the appointment of ex-Newcastle man Steve McClaren.

Erik has worked under McClaren at FC Twente and hired him and van der Gaag as they “both know how to get success”.

He also cited the pair winning titles in the past as a reason why they are at the club.

5 – He Is A Fan Of Harry Maguire

There may be no stronger opinion divider in the club than captain Harry Maguire and this has led to many questions over his future on the dawn of a new era.

Towards the end of the interview, ten Hag was asked about the captaincy and what he thought about current skipper Harry Maguire.

“He did a great job and is a great player” said the Dutchman.

He also tells the media that Harry has made great contributions to the club.

Despite this, he didn’t make any indication as to whether the England centre-back would lose his armband for next season.

 

What did you make of Erik ten Hag’s first interview? Leave any thoughts in the comments down below.