Erik ten Hag’s appointment has given Manchester United’s squad a boost, says David de Gea.
The Spaniard spoke to the club website to say he is ‘excited’ by the appointment and looking forward to playing under him.
United’s players suffered a real low losing 4-0 in midweek, and the Ten Hag news appears to have served as the perfect way to lift them.
De Gea says it will boost the players knowing Ten Hag will be watching the games, so of course now they need to go out and impress.
Time to kick on
De Gea told the club website: “We know what he has done for Ajax, he has nearly been in a Champions League final, won titles and he develops players, so I’m very excited.
“I think he plays very good football. Now we have to be focused on the last games but we are excited for this. Now let’s focus on Arsenal and fight for the top four.”
“It’s good to know he is already watching the games and thinking about what he can do to change for us,“I’m looking forward to working under him.
“Of course, now the focus on Arsenal, it’s a final [for us], we have to take the three points, [otherwise] the top four is done. Let’s be focused and win the game.”
De Gea is optimistic that he will be involved next season, and he has a good chance. Ralf Rangnick likes him and will be passing on his recommendations to the Dutchman.
No players are entirely safe, however, even De Gea. Rangnick warned this week that the new manager could have his own style which could include a change of goalkeeper at some stage, but that would be down to Ten Hag.
De Gea’s comments about the players being happy Ten Hag is watching the games shows a little lack of self awareness, he should secretly be horrified at what United’s players have been churning out in recent weeks.
But it will help for Ten Hag to grasp the reality of where United find themselves, and to start work on rectifying it. There is a lot to improve, and the job is going to be immensely challenging.
If United can finish this season strongly it will given Ten Hag something to build on. Going unbeaten between now and the end of the campaign would be a small statement of intent, starting with this weekend’s visit to Arsenal.
The uncertainty over the manager situation won’t have helped the players in recent months, now that excuse is gone. The club has direction again, and it is time to kick on.
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- The three biggest wins of Ten Hag’s managerial career