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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
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Isaac Johnson

'It's going to surprise him' - Erik ten Hag told what first job at Manchester United should be

Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister has explained what he believes Erik ten Hag's first task will be when he arrives at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman is currently vying for a third league title with Ajax ahead of his move to England. The Dutch giants have a rich history and are renowned for their ability to develop youth.

However, United are a bigger beast, says Pallister. He explained how he thinks Ten Hag may not realise the spotlight he will be under at United.

READ MORE: Paul Scholes issues Erik ten Hag warning to Manchester United

Speaking to Genting Casino, he said: “It's a challenge for him because he's not managed at this level and Manchester United is a completely different animal to any other club. It's going to surprise him.

“I think it surprises everybody when they walk through the doors at Old Trafford to get a sense of how good this club is. So he's got to come to terms with that and then hopefully he's got people around him, he's got the backing of the owners and then it's down to him.

“He's untested at this level so he's got it all to prove but hopefully with the right backing, and if they've got the right guy, then he can do that and we can see an improvement in this Manchester United side.”

Ten Hag will be walking into a dysfunctional dressing room this summer. Pallister said one of his first tasks will be to recreate the team spirit of former years that has slowly drained from the side over the last few seasons.

He said: “I think his first thing to do is walk into the dressing room and sort things out there. It doesn't look like a harmonious dressing room and if that's the case then that's where the problems mainly lie.

“You've got to get that dressing room fighting for each other, you've got to get some heart and soul back into that side because at the moment we're seeing too many abject performances. We're hearing the same thing after games that they’ve got to do better and we're not seeing any difference on the pitch.”

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