Barcelona boss Xavi on how good a job Erik ten Hag has done at Manchester United
Speaking ahead of their Europa League tie, as quoted by Sky Sports, Barcelona boss Xavi has praised the work done by Erik ten Hag to turn the fortunes of Manchester United around.
After a forgettable last season for the club when things looked out of control, ten Hag arrived in the summer and stamped his authority. His playing style has worked wonders so far at Old Trafford as well.
Not only are United just about in the title race, but they are also alive in all the cup competitions, including the Europa League where they face Barcelona in the playoff tie of the knockout stage.
With the first leg coming up on Thursday night at Camp Nou, here’s what Xavi said about ten Hag and the job he has done (h/t Sky Sports):
“In my mind I believe that somehow (reversing) the situation of United was no easy task and he’s accomplishing it.
“They are excited again, the club, the fanbase and also the way they play does a lot. He changes things offensively, defensively, everyone’s working very well, so it’s a tough rival for us and he’s a very interesting coach.
“In my mind, he does great things – you know, variants of the line of three, the side players go inside, a lot of people go into the offence.”
These words must be music to ten Hag’s ears. The Dutchman does deserve all the praise he gets for the job he has done.
The former Ajax boss inherited an underperforming squad in the summer, had the Cristiano Ronaldo situation to deal with and buy players that help him improve the team. He has taken care of most of the business in fine style.
With the crucial part of the season coming up, we hope that United continue to do the good work and lift a trophy or two by the end of all of this.
The tie against Barcelona won’t be easy because the Spaniards are back to their best as well. Xavi’s men are top of the league and playing some exceptional football.
More Manchester United News:
- Bayern Munich ‘open’ to selling on-loan Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer
- Erik ten Hag aims to take Manchester United back to the top
- Cristiano Ronaldo exit seen as reason for Marcus Rashford resurgence at Manchester United
All in all, while it is a Europa League tie on paper, it has the feels of a Champions League showdown. Let’s hope we come out on top once both the legs are played.
