Erik ten Hag recently defended his role in Manchester United’s recruitment policies, stating that he has not specifically targeted players he has worked with in the past. Despite the recent arrival of former Ajax players like Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui at Old Trafford, Ten Hag emphasized that transfer decisions are not solely his to make. He explained that each deal goes through a detailed process involving the club’s scouting, recruitment, technical director, and sporting director.
One of the notable signings under Ten Hag’s management is Matthijs de Ligt, who joined United for an initial fee of £38.5 million. Despite facing challenges at Juventus and Bayern Munich, de Ligt is regarded as one of the best central defenders in the world. Ten Hag praised de Ligt’s potential and highlighted his skills and character as valuable assets to the team. He expressed his satisfaction with having de Ligt in the squad and emphasized the player’s experience and development in various top clubs.
As United prepares for their opening Premier League game against Fulham, Ten Hag showed confidence in the team’s capabilities. Despite a rocky start in the previous season, losing four out of their first six games, the manager believes in the strong squad and the positive atmosphere within the team. He emphasized the importance of belief in top-level football and performance, citing the team’s fighting spirit and unity as key elements to their success.
Looking ahead, Ten Hag aims to lead United to a successful campaign, building on the team’s strengths and addressing any weaknesses. With the addition of talented players like de Ligt and Mazraoui, as well as the existing core of the squad, the manager is optimistic about the season ahead. He highlighted the importance of teamwork, determination, and performance levels in achieving their goals and maintaining a competitive edge in the league.
Erik ten Hag’s approach to recruitment at Manchester United showcases a balanced and strategic decision-making process involving multiple stakeholders. His focus on maintaining a cohesive team dynamic and instilling belief in the players bodes well for the club’s future success. As the season kicks off, fans and observers will be eager to see how the team under Ten Hag’s leadership performs on the field and competes in the Premier League.