Manchester United already have an "identity" under Erik ten Hag, who is the right man to succeed at Old Trafford, according to Wayne Rooney.
The Dutchman was hired in the summer as the permanent successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but was handed a poisoned chalice that has seen several big names come up short. Already, though, there are positive signs, with Ten Hag putting his stamp on things to generate growing optimism.
United have fallen to heavy defeats at the likes of Brentford, Aston Villa and Manchester City but remain firmly in the top-four picture with a growing understanding of what Ten Hag is trying to do on the pitch. His signings have complemented his style and he's earned praise for how he's dealt with Cristiano Ronaldo's uncertain future.
“I think Ten Hag has done really well,” Rooney said on talkSPORT of Ten Hag. “He’s come in and stamped his authority on the team, and for the first time in about two or three years, I’m starting to see an identity with Manchester United which I haven’t seen in the last two of three years.
“He’s shown his strength and his character with how he dealt with Cristiano at times with the stuff he’s been up to. He’s the right man for the job. I think it will take time but it’s a real step in the right direction to finish in that top four and get Champions League football again.”
Ten Hag took over a United side who finished a lowly sixth last term amid a host of issues. He is looking to end a trophy drought that dates back to 2017, when Jose Mourinho was at the helm, whilst the Red Devils haven't claimed the title since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013.
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Gary Neville had previously claimed a "style and identity isn’t there" under Solskjaer. Ten Hag, whose Ajax side impressed by many, especially on the Champions League stage, was tasked with bringing a clear playing style to the red half of Manchester.
Ten Hag laid out his plan in his first press conference, stating: "I think we have to work and we have to set clear purposes, clear strategy and then you need people who have capabilities, and have the right attitude, a positive attitude. One hundred per cent committed and work hard and then we will achieve success."
The Dutchman has been happy to stick to his footballing ideas, axing players who don't suit that. Ronaldo's regular absence from the line-up means he has only started in four league games whilst Harry Maguire, the club captain, has only made three starts as he faces up to a squad role.
