Erik ten Hag’s first pre-season as Manchester United manager is off to a positive start after the team won the first game of tour 4-0.
United appeared organised, fresh, and motivated – everything the players did not represent at the end of last season under Ralf Rangnick.
And while it is way too early to get carried away, the initial signs look positive, and comments from Manchester United’s players show they are buying into Ten Hag’s approach.
You don’t get better backing than the support of multiple-time Champions League winner and World Cup winner Raphael Varane, who spoke glowingly about the new boss.
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‘Absolutely clear’ how Erik ten Hag wants team to play
Speaking to Sky Sports, Varane explained: “We know exactly how we want to play. The manager explained very well what we have to do and it’s absolutely clear. So we know we have to be very fit because it’s a very physical way to play.”
The defender’s comments are important, because United’s players never seemed to grasp what Ralf Rangnick wanted out of them.
Having a full pre-season to work under Ten Hag and learn his system, while building up fitness, clearly helps the new manager, who comes on board at the right time with the team ready for a fresh start.
Varane added: “We are happy with the result obviously but we know we have to work very hard still to be ready for the start of the season.
“We’re working a lot, so we try to be absolutely ready for the beginning of the season. This is just the start of the pre-season so it’s just the beginning, but we know exactly where we want to go.”
Having the support of key squad leaders like Varane is important for Ten Hag, and the players have got the new era off to a bright start.
As the Frenchman says, the real games count when the season begins, and there is plenty of work ahead.
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