Aheed Abrar
Steve McClaren: Manchester United have opportunity under Erik ten Hag to be successful once again
Manchester United assistant coach Steve McClaren is excited for the start of the new era under Erik ten Hag. The former England manager believes the players are up for it as well.
The Red Devils parted ways with Ralf Rangnick at the end of last season and appointed the former Ajax manager. The 61-year-old joined the new gaffer’s backroom staff earlier this summer as the second in command.
McClaren, the assistant coach for three successful seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson, wants the team to forget about the past and move forward. Speaking to the club’s official website (h/t The Daily Mail), he believes the team have an opportunity to look forward under Ten Hag.
“Last season, seasons are gone. The history is gone. It’s past. It’s about the future and we’ve got an opportunity to create that in a certain style and Erik wants to see that happen.”
In the last couple of years, United have found it difficult to build a competitive side that challenges for the Premier League title. We have finished second on a couple of occasions but have never threatened the leaders.
Since Ferguson’s departure, managers have found it difficult to implement their own system at the club as they haven’t been given enough time. The big money signings we’ve made haven’t lived up to expectations either.
McClaren, who had Ten Hag as his assistant coach at FC Twente, feels the players are ready to take in what Ten Hag wants them to do.
“The vibe that I’m getting from the players: they want it too. They want that discipline, they want to know what their jobs are. They want feedback on it. Because they want to win.
“I’m afraid at Manchester United you have to win.”
As of now, the pre-season has looked promising under the Dutch manager. In the first friendly against Liverpool, fans noticed a change in the style of play. We were more aggressive and on the front foot.
There have been other interesting results throughout United’s tour of Asia and Australia. We’ve looked solid at the back and our forwards seem to be firing once again, which wasn’t the case in the previous campaign.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United set to hold meeting to decide the future of Alejandro Garnacho at the club
- Manchester United looking to offload six players before the transfer windows shut close
- Manchester United still keeping hopes in their pursuit of signing Frenkie de Jong
Hopefully, Ten Hag brings a change to the club and instils the mentality to win again. What fans are looking forward to is the high-pressing, modern football that the Dutch manager’s teams are known for.
