Erik ten Hag is already making a big imprint at Manchester United just a few weeks into his first season in charge.
United look like a team transformed from last season, full of players fighting for one another, looking like a real team rather than a mismatched side of individuals.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has promised the club are in for a treat, praising Ten Hag’s work ethic and overall approach.
The Ajax CEO spoke to The Times to praise Ten Hag, expressing sadness the Dutch club were unable to keep him any longer.
Van der Sar raves about ‘relentless’ Ten Hag
Van der Sar says he is full of admiration for Ten Hag in everything he does, having worked closely with him at Ajax.
The former Dutch international said: “He’s relentless, he wants to achieve as much as possible. The training exercises, the way he wants to play.
“Of course we tried to persuade him to stay, but Erik is someone who knows what he wants and the direction he wants to go.
“The moment United made their approach, it was obvious it was a big challenge for him and that he wanted to take it.”
Ajax were unable to persuade Ten Hag to stay, with good reason, it was felt as though he had achieved everything he possibly could have done at the club, and was coming to the end of his cycle.
The Manchester United job was a rare opportunity, and one Ten Hag considered he had to take, and we are very glad that he did.
United end the weekend sixth in the Premier League table, just one point off the Champions League places.
There are clear signs United are forging a new identity under Ten Hag, with the side showing spirit, while also managing to dictate games and create multiple chances each match.
United need to continue to back the manager over the next two transfer windows to reshape the squad in the way he wants, but on the pitch it looks encouraging, and United fans are along for the ride.
Ten Hag has made clear he won’t stop pushing to improve, each and every week, and if a player is not buying in, they will face the consequences.
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