Players would ‘go through fire’ for Ten Hag, says ex-star, who tips him to adapt formation to United’s players

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One of Erik ten Hag’s former players has tipped him to be a success at Manchester United, so long as he is given the right support from the club.

Urby Emmanuelson played under Ten Hag at Utrecht, and also had spells at Sheffield Wednesday at Fulham.

He spoke to The Times to explain how the Dutchman will approach the job, and how his players can expect to take to him.

Emmanuelson says Ten Hag will not come to United with a pre-determined idea of a formation. Instead he will plot his tactical approach around the players he intends to use.

Ten Hag is a player’s manager

Emmanuelson told The Times that Ten Hag will manage to get the players onside through his meticulous approach and planning in preparation for games.

He said: “His strength is that he can really convince a team. The things he said before a game often happened during the match.

“Sometimes he would go for dinner with the guys; they could really speak their mind. You go through fire for somebody like him.

“He is very flexible when it comes to his formation. If he moves to a new club, I think he will first look at which players he has at his disposal. He adapts a system to the players he has.

“Maybe he will get to spend a lot of money, but I hope he will get the commitment of the club like that so he can decide which players to go for.”

United treading sensitively ahead of final agreement

Ten Hag is Manchester United’s first choice to become manager, ESPN Netherlands report. But a final agreement is not yet announced.

United aim to tread carefully and respect Ajax in this regard. Ajax are competing in the KNVB Cup final this weekend against PSV Eindhoven, and the club will want to respect that, The Athletic report.

A fresh report from The Athletic last night claimed Ten Hag has a verbal agreement with United, but nothing formal will be communicated until after the cup final.

Ajax’s season ends a week before United’s, and Ten Hag should be at United before long. With results nosediving at United, there is a desperate need for input from a new boss, to steer the club in a new direction for next season.

United’s low finishing position could work in favour if the club drop to eighth. This would mean no European football at all, more time on the training pitch, and extra reason to trim the squad.

Whichever position United end up in, it feels like the only way is up right now, and that can suit the Dutchman when he arrives at Old Trafford.