Ahead of the club’s pre-season fixture against Aston Villa, Erik ten Hag has spoken to the media about his midfield and offensive options.
Manchester United’s pre-season so far has been rather brilliant, with the side scoring 11 goals and conceding only two in their opening three fixtures against Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace.
During pre-season, it was announced that ex-Tottenham star Christian Eriksen has signed a 3-year contract with the Red Devils, after leaving Brentford on a free at the end of June.
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Speaking on Eriksen and his offensive players so far, Ten Hag was full of praise.
"We signed Eriksen for the midfield, and yes I am really happy also with performances of our midfield department and offensive department at this moment,” Ten Hag explained.
“But I also know about this season - it's a lot of games, the World Cup, so we need more options."
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One key aspect of Ten Hag’s sides so far is the depth they have had. With the manager wanting at least five signings this summer, it is clear that he desires to have a strong squad depth at United, too.
“We need more options where you have a good team, and it's not only about the team, you need a good squad to get the right results at the end of the season.
“So we have to strengthen the squad even more and we're looking around but we also need the right players."
Erik ten Hag was keen to explain how vital it is to have a plethora of options in an attacking department, and labels it as a key to success.
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"There is a reason in a number of games you need more options in offence, clear,” Ten Hag commented.
“I think it's vital if you want to get success, the season is really long but we still also have time to fill that in."
One very exciting part of Tour 2022 is the current front four of Manchester United.
With the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who wants to leave the club amid a lack of Champions League football, many were worried at where the goals would come from for Manchester United, as the striker scored 24 of them last term.
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There seems to be an answer to that now though: Anthony Martial.
The French striker has scored in all three of the club’s friendlies so far, and with both Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho grabbing two each as well, the front three are on fine form under Erik ten Hag.
Another who has put in some very good performances under Ten Hag is Bruno Fernandes.
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The Magnifico makes up the engine room of the front four, and despite being yet to register a single goal or assist in pre-season, his performances have been fantastic.
Speaking on the current front four, Ten Hag was full of praise.
"They connect really good together,” the Dutchman explained. “I think when you see that, you are lucky as a manager.
“They are a threat, the team has weapons and we need to improve that every day and develop that further."
One final player who has put in some great performances slightly deeper on the field is the No.17. Fred has had a mixed bag of form at United so far, but under Erik ten Hag, he could be one of the biggest winners.
"In the moment he is playing in the role as connecter, defending to offence. He is playing it quite well, I am satisfied with his performance,” said Ten Hag.
“I think he can even be better. I will support him in that. He also brings energy in the team by his attitude."
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fred, Premier League, Football
Dylan Penketh