Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl believes Manchester United can win trophies this season under Erik ten Hag.
Fresh after beating bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday night, the Red Devils travel to the St Mary’s Stadium for Saturday’s lunch-time kick-off.
The former Ajax manager will be keen to build on the club’s morale-boosting win against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
After losing to Brighton & Hove Albion at the Theatre of Dreams in United’s Premier League opener, Ten Hag had an evening to forget in his top-flight away match in England.
The Reds were battered 4-0 at Brentford and the 52-year-old will be keen to exercise his side’s demons upon their return to the South Coast.
Ralph Hasenhuttl gives his verdict on whether Manchester United can win trophies this season
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash, Hasenhuttl felt it wasn’t a surprise to see United struggle early in the season as we adapted to the Dutchman’s new methods.
The Austrian said: “It is not surprising that it doesn’t work immediately and everything isn’t perfect. I see a very clear identity of what they want to do now but it wasn’t surprising things weren’t perfect in the first two games.
“It’s something you can see, a clear identity. They showed that in the last game and they showed they’re a strong team.”
Despite enduring our worst finish in Premier League history last season, Hasenhuttl believes that the Red Devils can challenge for trophies this time around.
The 55-year-old added: “You are speaking about a top team who are going for titles and can still do that this season. If you beat Liverpool at home it’s a big message to everybody that they’re in a good way.
“I see a clear identity with what they want to do. After all their pre-season problems, this win [against Liverpool] was important for them.”
Both of last season’s games against the Saints finished 1-1.
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