Erik Ten Hag has spoken of his excitement after taking charge at Manchester United, who he sees as having “huge potential”. The Dutchman on Monday conducted his first press conference since being named as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s permanent successor last month. The former Ajax boss comes in after Man United, with Ralf Rangnick in interim charge, finished sixth in the Premier League table. Ten Hag opened the press conference at Old Trafford by saying he was “really excited to be here” and stressing “I want to achieve success”.
Erik Ten hag said: “The confidence is that I have a good feeling with the people around, I have a good feeling from the meetings. We have a plan and now it’s about to get the plan done, to co-operate, to be consistent in our plan. The plan is huge and we only have a short time”.
And when asked about the number of new players the club might need,
Erik Ten Hag said: “I’m still in the process of analysing, to set conclusions. I’m looking forward to working with these players. The season before, this squad was second in the league, so there is huge potential. I think if we improve, if we work with them, I think we can get out more than what was the result from this season.”
Erik ten Hag is determined to get Manchester United challenging for titles again but his “first target” next season is Champions League qualification. Having masterminded a third Eredivisie title as manager of Ajax, the 52-year-old swiftly turned his attention to the work at hand at Old Trafford after a wretched season for the Red Devils.
Erik Ten Hag said: “I said this is the project to bring Man United back on top, but also we have to accept the current situation we are in. First of all, Man United belong in the Champions League, so that will be the first target.”
Man United narrowly avoided falling into the Europa Conference League on the final day, meaning the club will compete in next season’s Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Erik ten Hag said: “Important (to win silverware). For me, every game is important. We want to win every game and that has to be the attitude from everyone. Players but also staff and all the other ones in the club. Every game is important and we will give our best every game to win and to come forward.”
