Former Manchester United Midfielder Luke Chadwick has revealed that he expects Erik Ten Hag to assess his player’s fitness and also allow the academy players to showcase their talent before the senior players arrive.
Erik Ten Hag began pre-season with his new club on Monday intending to get his players in good shape before the new season begins. Ten Hag was appointed the substantive manager by Manchester United to replace interim manager Ralf Rangnick in April.
The Dutch manager became the seventh manager to be appointed by Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. Manchester United has also failed to win the Premier League since 2013 and had not won a major trophy in 5 years.
Manchester United endured one of their terrible Premier League campaigns in the Club’s history last season finishing sixth in the Premier League. Erik Ten Hag was appointed to bring stability to the club and restore the Red Devils to their glory days.
What did Luke Chadwick say?
Speaking via Caughtoffside, the former Manchester United midfielder said: “I would imagine the first few days of pre-season will be about testing players’ fitness levels and seeing what kind of shape they’re in ahead of the new season.
“It’s also a chance for him to take a look at the club’s young players, who I’m sure will be raring to go. It gives them the opportunity before the full squad comes back to try and make an impression on the new manager.
“I’m sure he’ll soon be working out what kind of shape he wants, how he wants to play, and looking at the players he’s got will be a key part of that. Transfers will also obviously be on the agenda and that will play a part too.
“It was a fantastic season last year for the Under-18s winning the Youth Cup. They should be coming in full of confidence.
“And James Garner will be an interesting one – he had a really good season on loan at Nottingham Forest and now he’ll be looking to keep playing first-team football, whether that’s another loan move or a chance at United, we’ll have to see.
“I thought Brandon Williams was impressive at Norwich as well, he can play a few positions, so I’m sure he’ll feel he can have an impact.”
Manchester United will play their first pre-season match against Liverpool on 12 July.
The Red Devils have been slow in the transfer market and are yet to confirm the signing of a new player. There are reports that Manchester United has agreed on a transfer fee for Frankie De Jong with Manchester United paying an initial €65 million plus a 20 million add-on.