Ten Hag: There is room for improvement
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag acknowledges that his team can be better in our all-round performance, as we prepare to take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this evening (Saturday, 17:30 BST).
The Reds enjoyed opening-day success on Monday night in M16, as we beat Gary O'Neil's Wolves 1-0, thanks to Raphael Varane's towering header.
United rode a wave of late pressure from the visitors, but dug deep to keep Wolves out and claim a vital three points to open our 2023/24 campaign.
With Spurs the next task for Erik and his side, the Dutchman believes the Reds can up our levels of performance ahead of the contest in north London.
Speaking to club media ahead of the match, the boss amplified his excitement for the clash and you can read everything he said in his exclusive interview below...
United rode a wave of late pressure from the visitors, but dug deep to keep Wolves out and claim a vital three points to open our 2023/24 campaign.
With Spurs the next task for Erik and his side, the Dutchman believes the Reds can up our levels of performance ahead of the contest in north London.
Speaking to club media ahead of the match, the boss amplified his excitement for the clash and you can read everything he said in his exclusive interview below...
Matchday Q&A | Ten Hag on Spurs (A) Video
Matchday Q&A | Ten Hag on Spurs (A)
Matchday Q&A | Find out how Erik feels his side are shaping up, as the Reds prepare to go toe-to-toe with Tottenham...
Erik it was a tough start to the Premier League campaign so how has the recovery been this week?
“The recovery is good. We are fit and I think the players are there and present for the next game. But there were a lot of learning moments in that game against Wolves.”
We kept another clean sheet which means only eight goals conceded in the last 19 Premier League games for United. How much does that please you?
“I knew we had a good record but at the start of the season I am not [interested] in such stats. I am more aware of working on a way of play and there were many things for improvement in our way of play and we have to step up and stick better to our principles and our rules to get a better game.”
“The recovery is good. We are fit and I think the players are there and present for the next game. But there were a lot of learning moments in that game against Wolves.”
We kept another clean sheet which means only eight goals conceded in the last 19 Premier League games for United. How much does that please you?
“I knew we had a good record but at the start of the season I am not [interested] in such stats. I am more aware of working on a way of play and there were many things for improvement in our way of play and we have to step up and stick better to our principles and our rules to get a better game.”
Now for our first away game of the campaign and these ones against Spurs are normally exciting ones. How are you feeling about that?
“Yeah, excitement. Again, it's a great opponent, great players, a very good manager, but it is up to us to get the right result.”
You mentioned their manager, Ange Postecoglou, and now is your first chance to play him in the Premier League. What do you know about him and the way he sets up his team?
“We know everything, but as I said it's up to us. It is not about them, it is about us and how we play against them. That is always [at the] the front of our preparation.”
“Yeah, excitement. Again, it's a great opponent, great players, a very good manager, but it is up to us to get the right result.”
You mentioned their manager, Ange Postecoglou, and now is your first chance to play him in the Premier League. What do you know about him and the way he sets up his team?
“We know everything, but as I said it's up to us. It is not about them, it is about us and how we play against them. That is always [at the] the front of our preparation.”
Training highlights: Getting set for Spurs Video
Training highlights: Getting set for Spurs
Training Highlights | Watch on as Erik's players prepare for our first away outing of the new season...
How much has the loss of Harry Kane changed them as a team?
“Yeah it has changed them but there are others coming in and they will be extra motivated so we have to be prepared for that. Once again, it is not about that, it is about us.”
How is the squad looking for the game?
“Very good. We will have a strong selection and we have to make a step in the season. We know we have to do much better than Monday.”
Last season, we didn't start well away from home so what is your message to your players?
“Last season was last season and we live in the future. Second game is a very good opponent, [we are] really looking forward [to it]. [It is a] great stadium and ambience, so it is excitement.”
“Yeah it has changed them but there are others coming in and they will be extra motivated so we have to be prepared for that. Once again, it is not about that, it is about us.”
How is the squad looking for the game?
“Very good. We will have a strong selection and we have to make a step in the season. We know we have to do much better than Monday.”
Last season, we didn't start well away from home so what is your message to your players?
“Last season was last season and we live in the future. Second game is a very good opponent, [we are] really looking forward [to it]. [It is a] great stadium and ambience, so it is excitement.”
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