Erik ten Hag has insisted Manchester United must “raise the bar” next season, although he admitted this may not be reflected in results and trophies.
The Dutchman returned United to the Champions League last year via a third-place finish, while ending a six-year trophy drought by claiming the Carabao Cup, and also led his side to the FA Cup final, which was lost to Manchester City.
Ten Hag said: “We have to raise the bar – by raising the bar you cannot always express that in a clinical result. We want to win every game and we have shown last season we can beat all the teams in the world. Now we have to do that consistently and that is our objective, then we will see what we have.”
The manager was asked if United can win the title. “I already gave you the answer – to the previous question. We want to be more consistent, play at a high level, raise the bar, lift the demands. The competition is very strong but we can beat any club in the world.”
In the window Ten Hag has signed Mason Mount, a midfielder, and André Onana, to be his new No 1 and is still targeting an elite centre-forward, with Atalanta’s Rasmus Højlund of firm interest. Ten Hag was asked about Mason Greenwood, whose United’s future depends on an internal inquiry following the dropping of charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against the 21-year-old – all of which he denied.
“It is a club decision,” the manager said. “Of course I have opinions but we all have to accept that. I can’t say so much about it. I shared my opinion about it.”
Regarding the protracted potential sale of the club which has now entered an eighth month Ten Hag said he would discuss this with the Glazers, the American owners, while he is in the US on the summer tour.
“Also a club decision,” said Ten Hag. “This is a good opportunity to share ideas and talk informally. It is obvious I can give recommendations but the decision is on the club.”
Earlier this week the manager stripped Harry Maguire of the captaincy and awarded it to Bruno Fernandes. “I chose Bruno because he is a great inspiration. He is the example,” Ten Hag said. “He always wants to be a better football player, working very hard to give his maximum performance. So he is the mirror for many players and is a good social connector.”
Despite Maguire being up for sale Ten Hag claimed the defender can still have a role next season. “Everyone can understand it is disappointing for a player. He is an important player, he stays an important player,” he said. “We need four centre-backs minimum – you have seen last season we played so many games and we are really pleased to have Harry in our squad.”
The manager stated that Onana, who was signed from Internazionale, can handle the expectation of replacing David de Gea.
“He is a personality yes, but he is absolutely a winner and I have always worked very well with him [at Ajax] and we achieved so much – trophies, we played great football and I am convinced of that. This is a better club, the demands are higher. Expectations are higher, you have much more fans; fans across the world. He wants to have the challenge and he likes the challenge.”
