Players have their say on Ten Hag's impact

Saturday 15 April 2023 09:00

To celebrate Erik ten Hag's 50th match in charge of Manchester United - against Sevilla on Thursday - we recorded a special episode of TeamViewer Diaries, in which several senior players waxed lyrical about the Dutchman's management.

There's no denying the influence that Erik has had, and continues to have, at Old Trafford, having already ended our six-year wait for a trophy by winning the Carabao Cup during his first campaign in charge.

But aside from the silverware, Ten Hag's philosophy is clear, and he strives every day to apply it to his squad.

Our players have thrived under his tutelage so far and, as their responses in the TeamViewer diary room show, they are fully on board with his ideas.

TeamViewer Diaries: Ten Hag's 50th game Video

TeamViewer Diaries: Ten Hag's 50th game

Watch as the players highlight Erik ten Hag's impact ahead of his 50th match as Manchester United manager...

CASEMIRO

"He demands a lot from us, he's a very demanding manager. He strives for perfection.

"He's the type of manager who wants the players to always perform to their best. It is important for us to have a manager who always wants to win and doesn't accept anything less than that.

"That's very important to us, especially for our improvement in games because we know we are still in the process of improving."

CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN

The Denmark international says that being coached by the Dutchman has enhanced his understanding on the pitch, and despite United's defensive resilience this term, Erik isn't a manager who puts the shackles on his side.

"For me personally, it's more been about seeing his general view of how he will like the team to play. He will help guide the players in which direction where he wants the players to be.

"But he's given a lot of cues and he also gives a lot of freedom to the players to do what they can."

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MARCUS RASHFORD

Perhaps one of the biggest beneficiaries of Ten Hag's arrival at United has been Marcus Rashford, who's scored 28 goals and provided 10 assists so far this season.

"I just think everyone's willing to fight for the person next to them and that's how it has to be. If someone makes a mistake, you have to be there to cover. You work as a team and as a collective rather than individuals.

"He's had a big impact. A lot of changes. It takes time to adapt. For him and for the players as well."

The first 50 games of Erik's management have produced a trophy and plenty of enthralling encounters. Congratulations on reaching this landmark, boss, and we look forward to the next 50!

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