New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has told a press conference he intends to conduct his own analysis on the club’s players.
He was asked whether he will be speaking to Ralf Rangnick and taking on board the interim manager’s recommendations.
Ten Hag responded decisively, making crystal clear that he will be the one making final decisions.
He said: “I analyse by myself, I observe and speak with a lot of people but I finally, I will draw my own line.”
Ten Hag backs Ronaldo
Ten Hag was asked whether Cristiano Ronaldo will be part of his plans, and responded with a simple two-word answer, commenting: “Of course.”
Asked what Ronaldo will bring to United, Ten Hag responded: “Goals.”
Pressed further whether he wanted more from Ronaldo in terms of leadership, Ten Hag said: “I will speak with Ronaldo before I speak with you.”
Ten Hag has previously spoken out to back Ronaldo, telling AD: ““I am looking forward to working with Ronaldo. He is a giant in what he has shown. And I think he is still very ambitious. Of course I would like to keep him.”
Reunited with Van de Beek
Ten Hag was also asked about midfielder Donny van de Beek, who will return from a loan spell at Everton. He says he intends to use him.
He said: “Yes of course. I have fantastic relationship with him. I look forward to meet him again.”
- INSIGHT: Erik ten Hag worked for two years at Bayern Munich II, learning from first team boss Pep Guardiola.
- IMPACT: After a spell at Utrecht, Ten Hag was hired by Ajax and within 18 months had led them to a Champions League semi-final.
- TROPHIES: Ten Hag has won two Eredivisie titles with Ajax and two KNVB Cups, and hopes to win a third title this season.
- GOALS: Ajax have scored 98 goals in the league this season and conceded only 19 in 34 matches.
Ten Hag’s own analysis key
Ten Hag was pictured at Old Trafford with a Manchester United shirt and spent 20 minutes answering questions from journalists.
He spoke decisively, and was in control at all times. He wants to speak with United’s players too, and form his own opinions on how he will shape his squad as part of his own analysis, for next season and beyond.
The former Ajax boss added he wants to take it one step at a time, responding when asked if United can challenge for the title straight away: “I don’t think about that at this moment.
“I’m thinking that this is a project and it takes time. We want to win every game. We go from game to game and then we’ll see.”
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