Analyzing Erik ten Hag’s assessment of Manchester United’s performance and expectations for the future

The Dutchman has seen his team take six points in the first three games this season, but in terms of play, United have only impressed at times.

United have seemed very open in midfield and given their opponents a lot of space. In part two of the press conference before the Arsenal game, Ten Hag pointed out that this was not primarily a problem due to the midfielders not doing the job.

THE LAST PREPARATIONS: United face a difficult away game against Arsenal.

– The attacking players didn’t do their job and the defense didn’t do their job. We must make sure to be more compact. We have had problems with how the defense has moved and we have had problems with the offensive players in the transition to the defensive game, said Ten Hag, who was asked whether the problems lie on the physical or mental level.

Then the Dutchman was clear in his speech:

– It lies on the mental plane. I set a standard and the players know what I demand. That is something I cannot compromise on. If you do that, you become vulnerable and then you won’t win matches. But the players showed last season that they have the mental strength and I expect and demand even more this season, says Ten Hag.

Roses Højlund, but asks for time

Many of the questions in the second part of the press conference were about the Dane Rasmus Højlund.

Erik ten Hag makes no secret of the fact that it will be good to see the Dane in action in the United kit.

– The impression is very good and he has confirmed that he has the qualities we saw when we scouted him. He is very motivated to get started. Of course, I would have preferred that he could have played for us already from the first match, but I am glad he is ready now.

CLEAR: Rasmus Højlund has seen the first three league matches as a spectator, but is in the squad for the match against Arsenal

– Højlund gives us a balance. He is a different type, an exuberant type who gives energy to those around him. Give him time and let him settle. We expect great things from him and it will come. I’m sure, but give him time. When we scouted Rasmus, we looked for his skills and personality. I am convinced that he has what it takes.

Ten Hag was also asked whether United can see themselves as title contenders now after he said earlier this summer that only City could see themselves as natural title candidates.

– All the teams around us, 7-8 teams, have strengthened significantly. Manchester City have been the best team in recent years and they can see themselves as favourites. The other teams must prove that they can be worthy contenders. That’s what I meant, Ten Hag pointed out.

The Dutchman says that for now it is achievements and not trophies that are the most important goal in the short term.

– We have to get into a position where we can win trophies, but that is not our focus now. The focus is on winning matches. Then comes the second.

2023-09-02 22:35:03
#compromise #united.no