Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has suggested that Erik ten Hag will enjoy an immediate positive impact as he prepares to take the reins from Ralf Rangnick.
The Dutchman is already hard at work at Old Trafford having been confirmed as the club’s permanent manager following the disastrous interim tenure of Rangnick. The former RB Leipzig head coach was unable to inspire the Red Devils having led the club to their worst-ever Premier League season from a points perspective and failed to get them back into the Champions League.
Meanwhile, the German’s methods were also the target of criticism, with some players reportedly feeling that his training sessions were not of the standard required, with the mood at the training ground being affected. However, Maguire is anticipating a brighter outlook at Carrington once the players return for pre-season preparations after the summer break.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “I’m sure on the first day of pre-season, everybody will be buzzing around, doing their best to impress and coming back in shape. We have a big season ahead.
“We know we are going to improve because last season was nowhere near good enough. The new manager will bring positive energy and the lads will go with that.”
Whilst there is clear optimism from the players’ perspective, ten Hag himself has already indicated his positive outlook on the work required at Old Trafford having left Ajax early to fully focus on the Red Devils.
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Speaking in his introductory press conference, the Dutchman said: “The confidence is that I have a good feeling with the people around. I have a good feeling from the meetings.
“We have a plan and now it's about getting the plan done, to get it into process. To co-operate, to be consistent in our plan, and when we have good people around with the right connection and the right commitment, we will achieve the success we want to
"Our plan is huge and we only have a short time [to be able to explain it now]. Of course, we will first roll it out to the staff and then we will roll it out to the players and you will see."
Whilst ten Hag is yet to take his first training session as Man Utd boss, it appears that his predecessor Rangnick is already getting praise despite having underwhelmed at Old Trafford. Having been installed as the head coach of the Austrian national side, his training sessions have already been hailed by Christoph Baumgartner.
He said: “Most recently he has trained one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“You noticed right away how professional, structured and clear the idea is – even off the pitch, what works and what doesn’t. It’s very exciting and each and every one of us could see that something positive was coming our way.”
