Erik ten Hag believes he can make Manchester United challenge for the Premier League title with the new structure above him and his future backed.
Following a comprehensive review by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new football leadership team, which left Ten Hag’s role uncertain for weeks, the Dutchman has been given the nod to stay on. With a contract extension in place until 2026, Ten Hag is now eyeing the biggest prizes in football.
“United didn’t win, in over six years, a trophy,” he acknowledged. “Now we won two, but we are up for more, for higher titles, like the English title and then even more, going into Europe.”
Ten Hag recognizes the journey ahead, noting that success is a gradual process. He’s confident, however, that the revamped structure and facilities at Carrington will pave the way for glory.
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“But that’s a process, that takes time and we’re working on it, but I know with the set-up from the club, with the changes in structure, with the changes in infrastructure around here in Carrington, that we will be ready for the future and we will improve, you feel it here,” he added.
The manager feels a surge of fresh energy and dynamism within the club, elements he believes are crucial for meeting their lofty ambitions. Ten Hag’s goal is clear: “It gives new energy, it gives a new dynamic and it will help us achieve our targets. We want to win every game, we have seen – we are capable of beating everyone.”
The new executive structure at Manchester United, spearheaded by CEO Omar Berrada, previously with Manchester City, sporting director Dan Ashworth, a recent capture from Newcastle, and technical director Jason Wilcox, lured from Southampton, are the brains behind the scenes.
Ten Hag is convinced that this combination of tried and tested football knowledge aligns perfectly with his vision and will set United up for success in their quest to once again compete at the top.
“We’re so pleased,” Ten Hag shared. “Around the football, around the first-team, we have a strong structure that will help us. They are really supportive, and that will help us in many ways, like scouting and recruitment, like departments of medical and performance, they are so supportive and they will raise the bar.”
When asked about his emotions following Manchester United’s decision to extend his contract, Ten Hag expressed his satisfaction: “Very, otherwise I wouldn’t extend my contract. I have been here now for two years.”
“I said I came here to win titles, trophies. We won two trophies after a dry [run] of six years, we are in a good direction. Now, with the new ownership coming in, they can help us, they are very supportive. We make our process and that’s what we constructed across the summer. We are in a very good position, in a very strong position to go into attack.”
Liverpool.com says: It’s going to take a lot more than a front office facelift to suddenly get Manchester United challenging for the Premier League. Yes, they won the FA Cup. But in the league, they were miles off it, and finishing eighth in any other season would be a sackable offense. I’m not sure too many Liverpool fans will be worried about this ‘new-look’ United.