The revival of Manchester United is being done by ten Hag. The club has gone nine years without a title and five years without a trophy after appointing a new manager this summer.
During the preseason tour of Thailand and Australia, his reign got off to a positive start as he won his first two games by a combined score of four goals.
During a break from preparing his players for the new season, Ten Hag sat down with journalists to talk about why he took the job, his approach as a manager, and his hopes for the future.
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The tour has been found so far.
It's good. We are on our way and I think we have done well. I have seen the players respond well to demands. We introduce how we play and I'm happy with that.
It has been one of the toughest preseasons the players have experienced. Do you think the fitness level of the squad needs to be fixed?
I wanted to bring in a certain way of playing and this is why we started them early. We need to get results when we finish preseason.
There is a certain way of playing.
We want to attack football where it's possible. We need to win if we don't play well.
Do you want Man United to play the same way as your team?
Ten Hag does not think so. It is clear that our team will be different because it is different players. It is possible to cross the bridge to Man United. It's about the players because I can't change their identification.
How did you try to get the players to listen to you?
It is quite a lot. There is a package of tools you have. Training sessions include meetings, collective and individual, and they all have their own themes. It has to stick together because it's a process. The platform for how we can win games has to be in the team.
What do you think is a realistic goal this season?
The first thing we want to do is to win every game, that's what Man United is about.
How big is the challenge?
The reason I took it was because it is a pleasure. I know it's not an easy job but that gives me some joy and energy, together with all the people around to make a unified co-operation and that has to be the platform for success
What makes you confident that you can succeed?
I have a strong belief. This is a big challenge but until now I've got the maximum out of my teams and this is the project that is the most difficult. I am convinced that I can do it even though I know that.
It was disappointing for United last year. The confidence levels of the players have been affected.
Ten Hag thinks so. The players are affected by it. We have to encourage them. We want to get the confidence back. It's important to have self-belief as an individual and as a team in order to be successful.
How can you make it better?
You have certain tools that you can use, and you talk about individual talks, for example, the positive approach. Sometimes you can be very demanding, because we give them feedback. Why don't you act to your standards if they don't? I want to know if the players are interested in that.
Do you think it will take two or three transfer windows to catch up with Manchester City andLiverpool?
I won't make a statement like that. I want to get the maximum out of the players who are now here and I think it belongs to Manchester United, because that is a tool to lift a player.
The club have changed their structure recently and you have a lot of say in transfers. The relationship with John Murtough and how the club operates in the transfer market are important to you.
Ten Hag thinks we work well with John Murtough. It's the same with him. I'm really happy with it.
In your interview for the job, did you have strong views on the issues at the club and how you would fix them?
Ten Hag thinks he has a good idea about strategy. A top football club has to be structured in order for me to play football. We were able to agree on the structures and the way we play football. We have to do that.
Alejandro thinks that Lisandro will be a success.
Do you have a signed Lisandro Martinez? Is he going to join the team right away?
The players who are there, we have the perspective immediately to help. He is brought in to help the team.
Why did you want to sign him?
I think we have good players in defence, but we need a squad that is also good and deep. In the left part of the defence, I analysed United. In possession and defending, he is left-footed. He also has a South Americanspirit. Control, aggressiveness. He can help the team and fans. I think it will work well for Manchester United.
The tallest centre-back is 5 feet 9 inches. Do you think that will be a problem for him in English football?
He is good in the air, even though he is not the tallest. I like that. You need the correct balance. One of his strengths is his timing.
Is there a strategy behind signing players from the Netherlands who have played in the country?
Ten Hag wants to sign English players because he thinks there is only one criteria and that's quality in combination with the price. The transfer fee for English players is quite high. You can't deny it. Quality is what matters in the end.
Do you like playing with a defensive line? Do you think the guy can play that game?
Ten Hag said he thought so. Harry is one of the good center-halves. He is a right-footed centre-half, so he can play on either side.
I was wondering if there was a debate about keeping Harry as captain or if the players would vote.
There are ten Hag. The captaincy is something that I dictate. I like to talk about a group of leaders as an important point. I'm happy with the captain and I think he's important.
You must think that the captain will be a first-choice player.
I believe he's. He has proved it in the past, but he needs to prove it again in the future. He has played a lot for England. I am expecting a lot from Harry. Internal competition is what Man United needs. You can't win with so many people. This season has a lot of games and we need a squad. We need a full squad with high-quality players because we have so many.
A: Harry had a tough year. Do you think keeping him as captain will make him more confident?
It can be helpful. Wherever I can, I will support him. He has the skills to do it, but he has to do it alone. In the past, he has shown it many times.
A: You've signed three players so far and there are other players that United are after. What are you expecting?
We're looking for a player who can hold the ball in the middle of the field. There aren't many people in that position who can meet that level of demands. We will develop a player in that position when we can't find him.
If you can't sign De Jong this summer, would you rather wait for him to sign someone else or sign someone else now?
I won't react on a player. The right player is needed. We have a list of players who are capable of playing that role. When the player is available, we will hit.
Craig Burley gives a description of the position of the new Manchester United boss.
Since you've been on tour, have you spoken to the Portuguese player?
The status was the same in Bangkok. There are no changes.
A: He has not done a preseason with you. Do you plan to start the season without him?
He is training. I think we all know thatRonaldo is a top professional and he will be fit, that's the last concern I have.
Can he play for the team that presses from the front at the age of 37?
I think that is possible. He has shown a lot in his career.
Is he going to slow you down?
I have set my demands. We would like to play in a certain manner. A top player can make a difference and that's what we have withRonaldo.
It doesn't look like he's going on the tour, but will he be back in Manchester when the rest of the team are back?
I don't know. It's not yet.
There is a debate about whether teams should play with two up front or with one up front. Is it possible that you would accommodate him the same way you do your 4-3-3?
The players decide how you play. It's important for players to score goals. Your team is built around them.
A: He only has a year left on his contract. It will be difficult to accommodate him if he stays this summer.
I am aware that he has an option.
He could stay past this season.
I have signed here for three years, but in football it's only for a short time. From the beginning, we have to win. I don't see that far in the future. We have to make sure from the beginning that there is a winning team.
It was something that they struggled with last season, do you think there are many goals in this squad?
The first two games show that we have scoring players.
Do you think the fresh start at Man United will help Jadon and Marcus get back into the team?
I believe so. Every player would love to be at the World Cup in four years. The players will know that the moment is rare. They have to be aware of that and respond to it.
A: He showed some of what he can do. Do you think he's going to have a big season?
I don't have anything with high expectations. I want the player to give me something. You have to invest if they have capabilities. Jadon isn't the only thing it is for every player. Every player will be told what I expect. You are playing for Manchester United and I want you to bring your A game every day. That is what I expect.
What type of manager are you? Are you angry and throwing teacups?
It's a tool that a coach has. It usually goes in a normal way. There are times when you have to use all the tools you have.
What is your version of the hairdryer?
I don't need a hair dryer.
The players know they are going to have to behave and stay in line with you, it looks like you have brought a bit of fear to the table.
One of the issues with getting results is that you need a team. Discipline is also needed. Discipline will not be found on the pitch when there is no discipline. I'm quite serious. If the players want to achieve success they need to stick together. There is a need to correct something.
Since you've joined the club, have you talked to Sir Alex?
Is that correct?
He said what he said.
I had contact with him, but what we talked about was not public.
What amount of a boost was it?
It is great to chat with Sir Alex about life and football.
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