Erik ten Hag has identified two standout matches from Manchester United’s season so far: one that changed our campaign and another that has set the standard for performance.
The manager sat down with Academy graduate Danny Webber for a wide-ranging interview that explores a number of key topics. Part one of the conversation was released on Tuesday afternoon, discussing his winter break, our training camp in Spain and the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.
In the second half of the Q&A, which you can watch below, Ten Hag reflects on United’s season so far and points to the electrifying win over Liverpool at Old Trafford as an obvious turning point.
The Reds produced a stunning performance to beat the Merseysiders 2-1, which was particularly impressive after suffering chastening defeats to Brighton and Brentford in the opening games. As the manager explains, our display that evening was unquestionably significant to the season.
“I think so, definitely,”
says Erik. “So especially in the mentality, the belief that we can compete with big opponents. That we can beat them. That gives a certain belief in the group, that we can compete with certain opponents. It doesn’t matter which it is, because Liverpool is a really good team, a world-class team. So when you beat them, you can take that belief into other games.”
While the Liverpool win was vital, Ten Hag highlights another performance as our best of the season so far: the dominant 2-0 win over Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur at the Theatre of Dreams.
“I think we played some more good games, like Everton away, Chelsea was a really good performance. But Spurs, definitely,”
the boss told Webber in Spain.
“I think on that night we played the best performance in this first 14 games in the Premier League. That is like the standard we have to build on and we have to progress.
“But, by far, we are not there where we want to be. If you want to compete for trophies, then you have to do much better in a lot of elements of football.
“That’s what we’re working for but you’re still in the fifth position of the league. I think we’re just in the right position. If we do the right things, if we work good, if we have the right plan, then yes I think it’s hopeful. It gives us a good idea of where we can finish.”
Ten Hag was speaking to us ahead of United’s winter friendly against Cadiz on Wednesday night, which will be broadcast live on MUTV and is set for a 19:00 GMT kick-off.
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