Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has revealed that Manchester United is ready for their Premier League opening game against Brighton on Sunday 7 August at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils played six pre-season-friendly games in total. Erik Ten Hag’s side won three of their pre-season games, drew two, and lost one with the defeat coming against Atletico Madrid. Manchester United scored 14 goals and conceded 6 goals in 6 pre-season games.
The 52-year-old was impressed with the performance of his team so far and believes they are ready for their first Premier League game but stressed there is more room for improvement.
What did Erik Ten Hag say?
Speaking after Manchester United‘s 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford, Erik Ten Hag said when asked if he was impressed with Manchester United’s pre-season performance: “Overall, definitely.
“I think we [have had] a good pre-season. We make good progress. We are ready for the season. I know there is still room for improvement. We have to improve and that is also a process that continues during the season. But, for next week, it’s about the result as well.
“It was a mixture between experience and youth [today]. Some guys, they need to see today, for the first time, what you can expect. You saw the attitude was really great, really the intention to co-operate. They fight and work for each other. That was positive.
“We create also a lot of chances and also conceded some chances. Overall, we have to be satisfied with this performance.”
Erik Ten Hag was also impressed with the performance of Manchester United Youngster Alejandro Garnacho.
The Dutch tactician added: “What you want is also a young player who deserves a chance.
“We want to give them that chance and he shows himself during pre-season [training] and that is why he came on [started]. He played pretty well and that’s hopeful. He is just a teenager but his performance was really good.”
Reacting to the performance of Lisandro Martinez, the 52-year-old said: “No surprise.
“I think it was a really good combination with Rapha [Varane] and they played really solid. That was good to see. Always the question is how do you integrate and I think he can integrate quite well into the team.”
The United Boss was also grateful to the Manchester United supporter for their support after the warm reception they gave him.
The former Ajax coach continued: “Fantastic.
“You see and you feel the vibe in the stadium, the vibe they want to send to the team. There has to be co-operation between fans and the team. We get the right emotion on the pitch and the right results especially.”
