Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has attributed Erik ten Hag’s level of detail as the reason behind his success as a manager.
Speaking to MUTV following United’s four-one win over Melbourne Victory, McTominay talked about the expertise of Ten Hag, as well as the difficulties the team faced when playing Melbourne:
“Whenever we’ve got a new manager, there’s a lot of new ideas, a lot of things that we have to take on board in terms of the ideas the manager wants from us.”
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“[it was] a slightly different formation today, and different ideas, which is important that we need to dive into them.”
“I think tonight is a good test in terms of the team we were playing against. They played a little bit deeper, it’s harder to break down, and different ideas of ways we can get working into their box and create scoring opportunities.”
“Obviously everyone is so so happy with the new coach, in terms of detail, the attention to the work that we’re doing, and everyone’s so fit now, and we can get fitter. I can get fitter, the whole team can, which is obviously a benefit for the future as well.”
Commenting on his strike which ended in the back of the net, with the help of a deflection, the Scottish international credited it to following his manager's instructions.
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“It’s cutbacks, it’s getting in the box, all of us, not just myself,” Said McTominay. “I know I can score more goals, it’s all the players, the manager wants more players in the box, as that’s where you score goals, and that’s the most important thing.”
An interesting detail is that Anthony Martial's goal which put United into the lead came from a cutback, and McTominay went close twice through a similar move before scoring his goal.
“Obviously for us, the level of detail which he’s talking about is so easy to understand as well, and for us, that’s one of the most beneficial things in terms of pre-season, is that all his ideas can come at once.” He added.
Manchester United’s victory over Melbourne Victory was their second in two pre-season games, following victory over Liverpool on Tuesday.
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United would pick up the win thanks to the aforementioned goal from McTominay, as well as strikes from Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, and an own-goal from Victory’s Edmond Lupancu.
McTominay, alongside fellow goalscorer Martial were two of ten subs made by Ten Hag at halftime, with the new Manchester United manager changing all ten outfield players.
Zidane Iqbal, who came on for McTominay was highly praised for his work in the second half.
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Both Iqbal, and fellow Manchester United U23’s midfielder Charlie Savage have played 45 minutes in United’s two pre-season games so far, with the duo earning heavy plaudits in both outings.
Savage, alongside Iqbal made their senior Manchester United debuts last season under then interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
The duo who were both subbed on together in the 89th minute, are yet to make a second senior appearance. However, with their impressive pre-season form, it remains to be seen if they will be able to find a place in Erik ten Hag’s plans for the senior squad this season.
Topics: Manchester United, Scott Mctominay, Football, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag
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Jozef Kostecki