Erik ten Hag has told BBC Sport he does not want to talk about last season and wishes to take the club forward on a completely fresh slate.
Speaking to Dion Dublin on Football Daily ahead of the kick-off of the 2022/23 season, Ten Hag talked about his vision for setting Manchester United back on track.
In a fascinating interview, Ten Hag spoke out his own expectations, getting to know players, and coming through tough times which lie ahead.
United’s season kicks off on Sunday against Brighton at 2pm, with Erik ten Hag looking to get off to a winning start, one step at a time.
Ten Hag says he demands high standards
Ten Hag has been talking about the steps he intends to take to turn Manchester United around, and says creating a winning culture does not happen overnight.
He said: “Standards. Standards and values. We have to demand and live every day at a high standard. Only then talk bout a winning culture, you can create it. It is the base for creating winning teams.”
The new Manchester United boss led Ajax to three consecutive first place finishes in the Eredivisie, won two Dutch Cups, and reached a Champions League semi-final.
He wants togetherness in the Manchester United squad, and says he wants to get to know his players and what makes them tick.
He explained: “I want to know the football player but I want to know the person, what’s behind the player.
“There are high expectations, but you have to enjoy it and get your energy and belief out. Football is a team sport, you have to do it with 11, a team, a squad, a team around a team. If they stick together you can find success.”
Ten Hag wants to create a winning environment, and knows there will be setbacks. He wants his team to learn to come through those, and says the one thing he doesn’t want to discuss is last season.
The Dutchman said: “I don’t want to speak about what is last year. I’m happy there is a positive vibe [now], but now the seasons starts we have to keep that vibe.
“There will be setbacks, we have to come through those together.”
Asked what his aim is for the season, Ten Hag gave a straightforward answer: “We have to win every game. This is what we aim for. 100 per cent every day. We will see what happens.”
Manchester United fans know what a huge job the new manager has on his hands, but the big question is whether he has got the squad he needs.
Gary Neville believes Ten Hag has not been backed sufficiently, with number one target Frenkie de Jong still a Barcelona player.
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