Evra: Come here to fight for the badge

Sunday 29 May 2022 07:00

Patrice Evra believes that new manager Erik ten Hag will bring new ideas and a fresh approach to the club, but admits the Dutchman faces a tough task at Old Trafford.

Speaking to MUTV, Evra reacted to Ten Hag’s appointment and the eagerness of the three-time Eredivisie champion to get started right away.

“It’s a big job,” said Evra. “It’s a massive job. There are a lot of things to be done. [But] one man can’t change everything.

“I hope he is going to have the full support [because] he’s going to have a clear idea [of what he wants to do].”

Inside Ten Hag's first day

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Our reporter Sam Carney attended Erik's press conference and was impressed by what he saw.

Evra added that Ten Hag will face difficult decisions during the early stages of his reign, but the former France left-back is behind our new manager making the right calls.

He said: “It’s a tough job, but he will have to make [hard] decisions. When he brings one player to the club, [he must make sure] they’re not coming for the money, they’re not coming to become famous, but they are coming here to fight for the badge. That, for me, will be one of his most important things.”

Following Ten Hag’s official unveiling on Monday, the Dutchman is set to take charge of United ahead of our upcoming pre-season tour.

Evra believes that trip will be vital to the success of Ten Hag’s first season as Reds boss.

“It is really important because that’s when you can build that relationship,” he explained. “[The players] need to understand his idea.

“I always say that you can be a genius tactically but, when you communicate to your player, if they don’t understand you, you’re going to get nothing from them. It’s really important that you spend time, not just in training, to [get to] know each other.

“Sir Alex Ferguson you can [talk about the] ‘hairdryer’ or whatever, but his door was always open. That’s why I want the players in this pre-season, to be really honest with them, and also Ten Hag.” 

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