It is early days for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, but he has already made a good start on fulfilling a promise he made when he arrived at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag was announced as United's next manager back on April 21, but with the end of Ajax’s season to focus on, it wasn’t until May 23 when we heard from the Dutchman. In the event he struck a defiant tone, saying he was ready to put an end to the era of dominance from Liverpool and Manchester City.
"In this moment I admire them. I admire them both,” he said. “They play, in this moment, really fantastic football, both Liverpool and Manchester City. But you will always see that an era can come to an end. I am looking forward to battling with them and I am sure all the other clubs in the Premier League will want to do that."
Asked if he felt their dominance can be ended before Guardiola or Klopp leave their respective clubs, ten Hag said: "Yes, I think so. We have to set clear purposes, you need people who have a positive attitude. Players dictate the way of play, when I have the idea, I will line-up my best team and get the best out of them to make them feel comfortable. It is about getting success together.
"We are in the process before the season starts. I am still in the process of observing and analysing, I will set conclusions, but I keep it for myself. The confidence is that I have a good feeling with the people around and the meetings. We have a plan and now it is to co-operate and achieve the success we want to. The plan is huge, you will see."
We were given a first glimpse of Ten Hag’s huge plan on Tuesday when United beat Liverpool 4-0 in a pre-season friendly in Bangkok. There are plenty of caveats – not least Jurgen Klopp deciding to play three different sides, one for each 30-minute period – but it was a positive start nevertheless.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Manchester United be able to close the gap to Liverpool and Manchester City? Comment below.
There was a debut for summer signing Tyrell Malacia , valuable minutes for youngsters like Charlie Savage and encouraging performances, and goals, for Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho. Ten Hag still wants progress in the transfer market, with midfielders a particular need amid stalling talks for Frenkie de Jong , but at least he knows his side can compete.
Having left Thailand behind, United have now touched down in Australia for the second leg of their pre-season tour. They are still without Cristiano Ronaldo, but will take on Melbourne Victory at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday as they look to build on their work on the training pitch.
Further friendlies will follow against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in Australia, before more games against Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano in the run-up to their first Premier League game of the 2022/23 season, against Brighton at Old Trafford on August 7. Ten Hag may remain some way off his desired goal of toppling the monopoly held by Klopp and Pep Guardiola in English football, but he has at least taken the first steps.
