Ten Hag Impressed by his players' International performances

Our boss spoke to the media on Friday afternoon ahead of Sunday’s huge derby against Manchester City, a game that could see us move two points behind Pep Guardiola’s unbeaten side in the Premier League table with a victory.

It was an extremely busy international fortnight for United’s squad, with many of the team taking part in multiple matches for their nations. Shaw, whose last start for United came in the 4-0 loss to Brentford on August 13, started and scored in England’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Germany at Wembley on Monday.

“He didn't play just well, he played really well,” Ten Hag said of the left-back's display. “I think we are happy with all the players because they did well with the nations, and we followed them because that is one of our aspects.

“All the players did well for their nations and Diogo [Dalot] scored twice, Bruno [Fernandes] played well twice, Casemiro and Fred played well and did their jobs.

"Luke Shaw played really strong against Germany and we saw a lot. We are happy with the performances from our players."

Ten Hag also noted that his players' displays for their countries "reflects well" on the coaching methods of his staff, and the Dutchman believes the momentum they have built up has carried over to impressive training sessions since the team returned to Carrington.

“It reflects well with what we are doing with players here at Manchester United," he said. "That reflects in this moment with the training this morning, there was really high level of energy and the level of performance of training was good, which gives me confidence for the upcoming period."

The weekend trip to the Etihad Stadium is arguably United’s toughest test of the Premier League season. Ten Hag has racked up impressive wins over Liverpool and Arsenal already, but taking down Guardiola’s high-flyers would be a landmark moment for the Dutchman. Ten Hag, who worked with Pep during his spell at Bayern Munich, was keen to underline he is his own man.

“First of all, the most important thing is that no two people are the same,” he said. “I have to stick by myself and then I learn a lot from many human beings in football. Especially, in regards to the top coaches, I admire Pep Guardiola, not only because he is successful but because he is doing it in a certain way which really attracts people to football. That is a really big reward.”

“Of course, we both think that we know everything about each other, but when we were together it was already eight years ago and as a manager one of things you have to always do is develop. I hope he did as I know I did as well. We have both changed in the right way but I'm sure he did and I did as well. If he is not the best manager, then for sure he is one of them. For me he is, but there is in this moment there are much more as well. That is clear.''

But rather than focus too much on our rivals, Ten Hag wants his players to concentrate on continuing the same methods that have brought United good results in recent weeks.

“We want to play our game and that is clear, " he said. "With our principles and rules. We always respect the opponent; it doesn't matter the opponent. We will try to play our game.''