Every word from Erik’s pre-Brighton press conference: Part two

The 52-year-old, who will take charge of his first competitive match as United boss this weekend, was quizzed during Friday's media briefing, with the second section including questions on the United fans, Raphael Varane and his intended style of play.

Graham Potter's side will no doubt pose their very own threat as they arrive in M16 tomorrow, with anticipation building ahead of our season opener.

Here's everything Erik had to say in the second part of his pre-match press conference, which was embargoed until 22:30 BST this evening...

There was a great sadness last season that Manchester United have some great young players, Marcus Rashford is one, Jadon Sancho another, but they failed to develop in the way everybody wanted. Are you confident you can get those players back to the standard they were but also take them onto another level?
"Once again, don't look back, look forward. I see the potential with many players in the squad and I am convinced we can develop them. First we must develop the team, then the individuals."

When you say you are not looking back, is it not correct to look back and to see what went wrong with those players, so you can fix it?
"You have to analyse, that is clear. But you have to look forward because you cannot change the past but you can always change the future."

You say the focus is to win every game, but Man United have always been associated with winning a certain way, do you see it as equally important that you have a Man Utd team that entertains and also show pride in the shirt, because that was one of the accusations from last season?
"You talk like a Dutchman, they always want to play attractive football. That's why I am here and I like it. You want to win, but you also want to win in a certain way, being proactive, brave and with adventure. That is also what belongs to the culture of Man United, we want to bring it in but at the end of the day if you cannot win in a good way or an entertaining way, you still have to win. That is the mentality and the attitude that we have to bring in."

It's almost something that needed re-introducing, if you have to win ugly, you have to win ugly?
"Of course. There will be games where you will not play well but you still have to win."

Erik over the last few years there has been a disconnect between the fans and the owners, are you aware of the situation and how will you deal with it as the coach? Is it important the players help with that by ensuring success returns on the pitch too?
"Me, the coaching, the players, we have to do everything to bring success back on the pitch because on the pitch is where everything starts. It starts there and on the training ground every day, you must make what you can, as an individual and also as a team."

What kind of a role can the fans play moving forward?
''I think that is clear. The stadium I think is meant to bring fight and cooperation. But we have to give the example out on the pitch, we must have the right attitude and that attitude means hard work but also especially, it means being brave. If we bring that commitment then I think they [the fans] will like it and they will bring the fight back."

We perhaps didn't see the best of Raphael Varane last season, maybe because of injury, how confident are you we can see the best of him this season?
"One hundred per cent, I am convinced of that. During pre-season we built a real careful and individual training plan that in the last three weeks he has been involved in every session on the pitch, I am really happy about that. You see him growing, his fitness levels and also his performances levels. I am happy about that as at the moment, Rapha will be fit and it is a huge squad for both the squad and the team."

Erik I suppose this is the biggest job of your career, what do you think will be your biggest task this season?
"I am looking forward to every game, as every game will be a challenge. We have to get the best out of it and of course there will be setbacks and disappointments, that's life, that's sports life and every club, every supporter, every team has to deal with it. That is the attitude we all need. When we show it and you have a good plan, you will achieve success. I am 100% convinced of that."

Throughout pre-season you have talked a lot about Lisandro Martinez and him being a left-footed player, and how that helps you in both the offensive and defensive phase, you've also used Alex Telles in both centre back and defensive midfield. Why is that so important to have a left footed player in those areas?
''Because the left footed are better orientated on the left side, in possession you then have better angles. But out of possession also the orientation is better and the angles are more comfortable to cut out and cover for a full-back.''