Every word from Erik's pre-Wolves press conference: Part two

The Reds are set to begin the 2023/24 Premier League with a home clash against Wolves on Monday evening, with anticipation building towards our curtain-raiser in M16.

Speaking on Friday afternoon as part of his pre-match media duties, the Dutchman was keen to reiterate the desire his players must show to compete at the highest level on a regular basis.

Having also been quizzed on other topics, including the club's current goalkeeping department and new signing Rasmus Hojlund, scroll down to read everything the boss had to say...

Erik, how do you reflect on your first year at the club? Have you progressed better than you would of hoped?
“I think we couldn't expect this, where we are now. When we look back for one year, when we ended where we ended. Third place, losing the FA Cup final. It was more to get winning another trophy and we showed we can beat all the best teams in the world. I think from there on, we built a really good foundation. Now we have to work on that and do it consistently.”

And you believe you have that good foundation to build on now and to go higher?
“Exactly, we have the foundation that works well. With the right plan, the right efforts, and it works on a consistent basis, we can go higher and be more successful. I believe we can make that step.”

Erik, you said last season about having goalkeepers that are experienced in possession. With Tom's injury – and although Dean has been a possibility to go to Nottingham Forest – do you think you'll keep Dean now?
“He was always in my mind. I think we have a strong ’keeper group with Onana, Heaton and Henderson.”

You've made three signings this summer, three key signings. Would you be happy with three signings or do you want more with three weeks until the deadline?
“I will always want more! But I think every manager you could ask would also want more. But it is about the mentality; in top football we are talking about the demand, the absolute maximum. Because we demand that from our players and, in their defence, they expect it from us. We are looking for the perfect situation but you never get the perfect situation. Then you have to come into your place and work for that, maybe with not the perfect situation but the perfect results.”

You said in the summer that every Premier League team needs to invest. When you look around at what other clubs have been able to do, are you happy with the investment this summer at Man United? Have United been able to take a step closer to those teams you are now chasing?
“Yes, but what you see is the benchmark. There were only five players above £60 million. Now you see all over many clubs investing high rates and they invest a lot in their squads. Competition is very tough in the Premier League. We are confident, we are happy with the squad we have now and now it is about improving the squad, improving our way of play.”

You mentioned that Harry will be available for Monday. How do you see that one playing out now from here on in, on whether he stays or whether he doesn't? Is it difficult in terms of several players who could be staying and going, not knowing where they stand or you stand with them?
“We don't have a squad with 11 players. Last year definitely proved that you need all the players. You need high-level players who are maybe not starting but that can change. That makes an internal competition and everyone has to fight for his place and that counts for many players... that when they were good they will be getting games. But no one can play all the games and finally you find out what is the best team. All the positions are double and then every player has the perspective of fighting for his place. Then you have to show that with your contribution, that it is the best team performance, so it is up to the players if they have game time or less.”

What do you think now is the best scenario for Harry Maguire and the club, for him, for you? How do you see this turning out?
“For Harry, my explanation just came. He has to fight for his place and he has the abilities to be a top-class centre-back. He is the best for England and I assume he will be best for us but he has to prove it. When he is not confident enough to go in and fight, then he has to make a decision. But I am happy with him.”

How well-suited is Rasmus to the Premier League, with the specific attributes he has got, and do you have a specific date as to when he will be available?
“No, we are not in a rush. We know we are also without him, we have a strong team and the position is covered. We don't rush. It is about him being in the right level and then we have to integrate him in training and then we will bring him into the games. We take our time. It is not about winning in this moment, it is about winning in the long term.”

And his attributes, do you think he will suit the Premier League well? His physicality, his speed etc? 
“That is why we chose him, that he has the potential, the physicality, the speed, his character, his hunger, his determination for goals. He is absolutely the right fit and also his age fits very well in the profile. We are very confident we found the right striker, but he needs time. Time to integrate and now he is now unavailable, it delays the process.”

You have wanted a no.9 when you came into the club, and now you are starting with a player you bought injured. Is that not unfortunate that you're in the same situation?
“I'm quite calm, composed in this situation, because Rashy is very good as a striker, we have seen it last Saturday. Anthony Martial is available as well. Jadon Sancho can play there as well, he did it in pre-season very well. The squad can deal with it, as I already said this. There is a strategy behind it.'”