Ten Hag gets tactical

Tuesday 19 July 2022 14:20

Erik ten Hag has provided his assessment of Manchester United's 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace in Melbourne.

Despite a third win out of three Tour 2022 matches for the Reds, the Dutchman feels there is still much improvement to be made before we kick off the Premier League season against Brighton & Hove Albion on 7 August.

Speaking to MUTV's Mark Sullivan and ex-skipper Bryan Robson at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the manager seemed particularly pleased with the brilliant second goal against the Eagles, a real team effort, but supplied an in-depth answer when speaking about what his side can still get better at.

Ten Hag: There's still a lot of work to do Video

Ten Hag: There's still a lot of work to do

Erik ten Hag gave a fascinating answer when Bryan Robson asked him how the team can improve...

"I think it's pre-season and we are happy with the improvement we see but also you see a lot of work to do," explained the boss. "We scored some wonderful goals and that is also true.

"I agree [that we are winning the ball higher up in the field in dangerous positions] and that is also the demand on the team. We press all day and, if we can, do that high up the pitch. But if we can't, we get to do that in a lower block but we also have to press and do it together as a team."

When asked by Robson to pinpoint a specific area that can be improved, Ten Hag replied: "The timing. When you start the press. For instance, I see still switches we can avoid and we can prepare a better press.

"And I think, also on the ball, we play well but you see, in the end, when it's 2-0 or 3-0 up, the belief is increasing. And then, also on the ball, we can delay and we can postpone and we can fight opponents so they come out and we can speed up.

"The 2-0 [goal], especially, was a great goal."

Next up for the Reds is Aston Villa at the weekend, with the squad flying on to Perth for the fourth fixture of Tour 2022.

Every pre-season game - including Aston Villa (10:45 BST Saturday 23 July) - will be shown live on MUTV, now available in our app and on ManUtd.com.

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