Erik ten Hag was keen to make a good first impression at his official introduction as Manchester United's new boss.
At midday, Ten Hag strode into the media suite at Old Trafford, but rather than going straight behind the microphones to face questions, he insisted on introducing himself personally. Shaking hands with every member of the Manchester media pack on the front row, with an accompanying “Hi, I'm Erik”, Ten Hag soon realised he wouldn't be able to greet everyone in the cramped room.
At that point, the 52-year-old waved to those at the back and revealed his delight at the challenge ahead of him and desire to work and cooperate with the assembled journalists. Those who know ten Hag well say such a tactile gesture would have been his own idea, to immediately try to form a bond with those who will be scrutinising him week-in, week-out.
