Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has explained that Erik ten Hag is keen for his players to 'dictate games' as the Reds look to control matches moving forward.
Ten Hag 's side endured a nightmare start to the season - losing to Brighton and Brentford in the first two league matches of the campaign - but have drastically improved in recent months and currently find themselves fifth in the Premier League table. The Reds are also into the knockout stages of the Europa League, albeit with a play-off tie against Barcelona to come.
After making a shaky start to the campaign, De Gea was in impressive form prior to the break in the domestic season, but it wasn't enough to secure him a spot in Spain's World Cup squad. Despite this, the goalkeeper is focused on United and is already looking ahead to getting back underway.
ALSO READ: Ten Hag's plan for Rashford at United is aiding England's World Cup push
The 32-year-old Spaniard has explained that Ten Hag is desperate for his side to press high and win the ball back in the opposition half - something that United struggled to do last term.
"I think this year we want to dictate games and want the ball. We want to play from the back and press teams, press high in the opposition half," De Gea told ANI.
"We try to keep the ball in the opposition half, try to score goals and win games."
De Gea also discussed the Reds' improvements in recent months, admitting that he and his teammates endured a frustrating start to the season. The shot-stopper suggested that it was always going to take time to get used to a new manager, before insisting that the club is now heading in the right direction.
He said: "The start of the season was a bit tough. After that we started playing excellent football, winning games.
"We had a new manager and new players, so we needed a little time to know how the coach want us to play, but I think we’re going in the right direction when we’re winning games and playing really well."
Asked about the club's performances, midfielder Donny van de Beek added: "We just have to work harder on the way we want to play. So yes, we work on it every time. And yes, then if you work hard to practice every day, I believe the results will come."
United return to competitive action against Burnley in the Carabao Cup on December 21, with the match taking place at Old Trafford.
You can vote for David de Gea as your United Fans' Footballer of the Year 2022 - cast your vote below or by clicking here.
READ NEXT:
