Erik: New football structure raises the bar
Manchester United are in a ‘strong position to go and attack’, according to Erik ten Hag, after a positive summer involving significant changes to the football hierarchy at the club.
Ten Hag guided the Reds to victory in the Emirates FA Cup final at the end of a long and challenging 2023/24 season and has been rewarded with a contract extension at Old Trafford.
In the announcement, made last week, the Dutchman said he was glad to have ‘found complete unity in our vision’ with the new co-ownership, under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
In an exclusive interview to set the scene ahead of the pre-season campaign, Erik expanded on the process when asked if he was excited about the future.
“Very, otherwise I wouldn’t extend my contract,” said Ten Hag.
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“I’m here now for two years. As I said, I came here to win, to win titles, trophies. We won two trophies, after a dry [spell] of six years, so we are in a good direction.
“Now, with the new ownership coming in, they can help us. They are very supportive.
“We’ve made a process, which we’ve constructed across the summer and we are in a very good position, a very strong position to go and attack.”
Dan Ashworth has begun work as sporting director, joining Jason Wilcox, who has been in position as technical director since mid-April.
The pair share vast experience in the sport and Ten Hag believes their expertise provides a strong platform which will be of real benefit in numerous areas going forward.
“We are so pleased that around the football, around the first team, we have a strong structure that will help us,” he continued.
“They are really supportive and that will help us in many ways, like in scouting and recruitment, like in the departments of medical and performance.
“They will be so supportive and that will raise the bar.”