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Nathan Bishop reveals how Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has influenced the goalkeepers’ style of play
Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop has revealed that new manager Erik ten Hag has changed how goalkeepers play at the club. The 22-year-old has taken inspiration from the way David de Gea has played this season.
Bishop has mostly played for the Red Devils’ reserve side over the years. The England U20 international had a fruitful loan spell with Mansfield Town in the 2021/22 campaign. The 22-year-old made it to the League Two play-offs, but lost the final 3-0 to Port Vale.
The young shot-stopper returned to United this summer. Bishop was part of the side’s Asia and Australia Tour. Speaking to Manchester Evening News, the 22-year-old has outlined that Ten Hag wants the goalkeepers to be more involved in the game.
“Do you know what, Erik [Ten Hag] has come in and he has brought a philosophy [proactive].
“When you see the way David is playing now, running out and getting onto the ball, it’s coming down from the first team.”
The former Ajax head coach took charge of the Red Devils at the end of last season. Those who are familiar with Ten Hag know that the Dutch manager is known for playing his own brand of football that revolves around possession.
Change in style of play
To that end, Ten Hag evidently wants his goalkeepers to play out from the back. And United fans saw glimpses of his ideas during pre-season. However, the start of the 2022/23 campaign did not bode well for the gaffer.
The Red Devils lost the first two games of the season. Ten Hag failed to take a single point from his first two competitive fixtures in charge. And our number one shot-stopper seemingly struggled.
De Gea has looked uncomfortable on the ball. Fans who have seen him play regularly know that the Spaniard’s distribution is not his strongest suit. And that was apparent in the Brighton and Hove Albion and Bretford losses.
However, since then, there appears to have been a slight tweak to our game. De Gea does not seem compelled to play short. And United have gone on a four-game win streak in the Premier League with positive results against Liverpool and Arsenal.
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Ten Hag’s ideas have paid off so far. However, it remains to be seen what our goalkeeping situation will be going into next season. Bishop is a young prospect and still has a lot to learn before vying for a place in the first team.
