Erik Ten Hag gives first Manchester United interview as the new manager of the club

Manchester United have unveiled Erik Ten Hag as their new manager following the end of their season. Ralf Rangnick has been replaced by the Dutchman, who will be in charge for the new season. 

The 52-year-old gave his first press conference recently, and here is what he had to say about his new adventure at Old Trafford. 

Erik Ten Hag speaks on Manchester United closing gap on Man City and Liverpool 

The new Manchester United manager was asked about whether or not he thought he could close the gap on rivals Manchester City and Liverpool soon:

‘I think, yeah,’ he said. 

‘In this moment I admire them both. Liverpool and Manchester City play fantastic football, but you will always see an era can come to an end. I look forward to a battle with them and I’m sure other clubs will want to do that.

‘I don’t see this as a risk. I think this club has a great history and let’s make a future. I’m really excited to do that with the people around in the club – work hard, be 100 percent committed and I’m sure we will have success.

‘I have been to Manchester before but this is the first time at Old Trafford. I’m impressed. It feels like my home already. I cannot wait for the first match and the stands are full. It will be an exciting experience.’ 

‘I have seen a lot in the past. Manchester United have a lot of generations who are really successful. There is always a fantastic ambience and I look forward to that experience. In every country I have a favourite club and in England it’s Manchester United.’

On whether United will be able to mount a title challenge in the next years 

‘I don’t think about that at this moment.

‘I’m thinking that this is a project and it takes time. We want to win every game. We go from game to game and then we’ll see.

‘The confidence is that I have a good feeling with the people around, I have a good feeling from the meetings. We have a plan and now it’s about getting the plan done.’ 

On the state of the Manchester United squad 

‘The season before, this squad was second in the Premier League and there’s huge potential. If we improve, if we can work with them, we can get better results.’

‘We have to set clear purposes, you need people who have the positive attitude. 

‘Players dictate the way of play, when I have the idea, I will line-up my best team and get the best out of them to make them feel comfortable. It is about getting success together.’