Former left-back Patrice Evra is confident that Manchester United can make progress under Erik ten Hag this season, insisting that he has been impressed by the impact the Dutchman has already had at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag, who was appointed United manager back in April, will take charge of his first competitive fixture on Sunday afternoon when Brighton & Hove Albion visit M16 for the season opener. United, despite failing to win their last three friendlies, enjoyed a relatively successful pre-season, winning half of their matches.
It was in the victories over Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace that United produced plenty of encouragement, with the players proving that they are buying into Ten Hag's methods. The former Ajax boss has already given the Reds an identity once again and he will be hoping that they can show that against Brighton.
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But although the Reds face a huge task in their ambitions of securing a top-four finish this season, given the quality of the clubs chasing the same target, Evra believes that seeing the players recognise and understand their roles offers plenty of encouragement ahead of the big kick-off. United's players have waxed lyrical about Ten Hag throughout pre-season, making it clear that they are already enjoying life under him.
"I think United, with Ten Hag, have got hope," Evra told Stadium Astro. "Finally, I see the players knowing exactly what they're going to do. They have a plan.
"Don't get me wrong, this is pre-season. I like to stay positive but it doesn't matter if you have a good pre-season because when the league starts it's a different kind of pressure.
"It's been a long time since I've heard an interview of any player saying we know what we are doing. That's why I’m really positive about it.
"But when I see the other teams and the players they bring in I'm like: 'It's going to be tough to get into the top-four'. But we're going in the right direction with Ten Hag."
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