Erik ten Hag has told his Manchester United players they must be “brave” if they are to have any chance of being successful again.
Ten Hag takes charge of his first United game on Tuesday, against arch rivals Liverpool, in Bangkok on the first game of their pre-season tour. Newly-appointed boss Ten Hag has told United's players what he expects from them and said they must show courage when they have the ball and take on board his philosophy.
“We want to play a proactive style of football – on the ball and off the ball,” said Ten Hag. “That is, trying to do that has to be our intentions and it’s now, firstly, the coaches bring it over to the team that we are, in every situation, proactive.
“We are brave and willing to have the ball, to give each other options. But also off the ball, to get the pressing style is what we’re working for together. That is my job, to construct a team and to improve the team. You can do it in different ways or in more ways but, to start, it is out of a philosophy.
“Then you build it and go into the individuals, and you give them the rules and principles. But, also in the positions of individuals, you give them coaching advice, and, in the end, it’s about team results and better team performances so you give them advice to perform for the team.”
Ten Hag said his interactions with United fans since coming to Manchester had made him even more determined to take the club back to the top.
“I do feel they are really committed to this club, waiting for good times and they are really supportive of Manchester United,” said Ten Hag. "It’s good to see that and it motivates me even more.”
Ten Hag hailed the importance of his coaching staff in helping him try to make United great again. Former United No.2 and ex-England boss Steve McClaren has returned to Old Trafford, while Ten Hag has brought with him his trusted assistant from Ajax, Mitchell van der Gaag.
On McClaren, Ten Hag said his experience of working at United in the past was a key factor in bringing him on board. “That is also a part of the reason I really wanted him,” said ten Hag.
“Of course, he has other competences and capabilities, but the fact that he knows the club, I think, is a big advantage for us. Although it was a long time ago, he still knows the culture of Manchester United.
“Mitchell also had a lot of experience. First, as a player, he played many games in the highest levels in different leagues and, after that, he became coach, also in different countries, at different levels.
“So he gained a lot of experience and most important for these two is they know how to win because they proved it in the past.”
On Tyrell Malacia, his first signing as United boss, Ten Hag said: “I think he’s the modern left-back or full-back.
“He suits the profile and most important is, from every full-back, that he closes the right area, but he can also take part in the offensive side of our game, and he can do that really well. And I think he will really contribute to the team.”
