Ten Hag: I haven't changed my philosophy
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he will not attempt to change his footballing philosophy, despite our recent run of results.
The Reds travel to London to face Fulham in the Premier League tomorrow lunchtime, as we bid to respond to back-to-back home defeats against Manchester City and Newcastle United in recent days.
With Craven Cottage offering a chance to start to put the past behind us, Erik spoke to sections of the media earlier today at Carrington, amplifying how his style of play won't change due to the recent blips on the field.
Admitting that his words following our defeat against City were misconstrued slightly – when discussing comparisons with his old Ajax team – the Dutchman insisted his players still know clearly what is expected of them.
With Craven Cottage offering a chance to start to put the past behind us, Erik spoke to sections of the media earlier today at Carrington, amplifying how his style of play won't change due to the recent blips on the field.
Admitting that his words following our defeat against City were misconstrued slightly – when discussing comparisons with his old Ajax team – the Dutchman insisted his players still know clearly what is expected of them.
“I thought the explanation from my point of view was totally wrong,” began Erik, at Carrington earlier today. “I can't liken [us] with Ajax because we have different players. I came here with my philosophy based on possession, but also [want] to combine it with the DNA of Manchester United and combine it with the players and the competences and with the characters of the players.
“You combine and I think last year we have seen what that was. We played very good football last season.
“This season, the philosophy is not different and I would emphasise more on going direct. But with the explanation of going direct, they [the media] thought I wanted to go for long balls. No, I don't.
“I didn't buy Andre Onana to go for long balls. I know we want to play from the back as we did, and we tried every game.”
“You combine and I think last year we have seen what that was. We played very good football last season.
“This season, the philosophy is not different and I would emphasise more on going direct. But with the explanation of going direct, they [the media] thought I wanted to go for long balls. No, I don't.
“I didn't buy Andre Onana to go for long balls. I know we want to play from the back as we did, and we tried every game.”
Onana was one of seven summer additions, but injuries continue to stifle our progression on the field this season.
Having previously spoken about 'rhythm' and how it can affect a team's confidence, Ten Hag stated how our other additions show a clear indication of the style he is trying to implement at Old Trafford.
Having previously spoken about 'rhythm' and how it can affect a team's confidence, Ten Hag stated how our other additions show a clear indication of the style he is trying to implement at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag's team news for Fulham trip
ArticleRead the latest squad update from Erik, ahead of our Saturday lunchtime game in London.
“We also did [try to play the same way] against City, but if an opponent is going in a high press there is an option to go direct,” explained the boss.
“What I meant with directness – and I thought it was, in the USA, obvious – is how we want to play. We want to press.
“We want to press from different blocks and then go direct, because we have players like Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Bruno and Scott McTominay who are very good at it, with passing from Christian Eriksen. With our full-backs joining in.
“That was my idea and I explained it very clear.”
“What I meant with directness – and I thought it was, in the USA, obvious – is how we want to play. We want to press.
“We want to press from different blocks and then go direct, because we have players like Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Bruno and Scott McTominay who are very good at it, with passing from Christian Eriksen. With our full-backs joining in.
“That was my idea and I explained it very clear.”
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