Erik ten Hag hints at ugly Man Utd tactics in first interview

Erik ten Hag has hinted that his Manchester United team will have to learn to win ugly.

The new Red Devils boss has officially taken the reins from Ralf Rangnick following the conclusion of the 2021/22 season at the weekend. He's now getting to work on a major rebuilding job, which will see an overhaul of not just the players but also the mentality around the club.

And an urgent part of that which he identified in his first interview as manager was developing the ability to pick up three points regardless of their performance. "I want to build and construct a team who are battling for each other, who are unified and who will get results," Ten Hag told the club's official website.

"Also we are playing in the Theatre of Dreams. 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."

United suffered another defeat at the end of their dismal campaign on Sunday (May 22) with Ten Hag watching on from the stands as they were beat 1-0 by Crystal Palace. He made a point- of emphasising that he will demand the best from his side as they look to bounce back next season.

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"I have high expectations from myself and that is also what I demand from my squad," the Dutchman continued. "They have to co-operate together and they have to give every day their best. And I would say, for me, good is not good enough. We have to do better."

United have confirmed that Ten Hag will be joined by his compatriot Mitchell van der Gaag and Sir Alex Ferguson's former assistant Steve McClaren at Old Trafford, having worked with both men before in his career.

Van der Gaag was his right hand man at Ajax last season and will be helpful as Ten Hag looks to replicate the success he had with the Eredivisie club in the Premier League.

"The way we did it – with dominant, dictating football – that is the way I want to act in Man United as well," he added. "But finally the competence and the quality of the people – so the players – decide how you have to play."

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