Six things we learned from Ten Hag's unveiling
Erik ten Hag cut an impressive, composed figure during his unveiling as Manchester United manager on Monday afternoon.
The Dutchman faced members of the football media at Old Trafford at midday UK time and answered a spread of questions on the big task ahead of him.
There was a huge amount covered, so what were the big takeaways from the former Ajax man's M16 debut?
What did he say about Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola? How will his United team play? How did he select his assistants? Here are six of the most intriguing quotes Erik gave at his opening press conference...
Ten Hag’s press conference unveiling Video
Ten Hag’s press conference unveiling
Press conference | Watch all of Erik’s fascinating unveiling as United manager at the Theatre of Dreams…
TOPPLING CITY AND LIVERPOOL
“In this moment I admire them [Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp]. I admire them both. They play, in this moment, really fantastic football – both Liverpool and Manchester City. But you will always see that an era can come to an end. I am looking forward to battling with them and I am sure all the other clubs in the Premier League will want to do that.”
SPEAKING WITH LOUIS VAN GAAL
“I spoke with more people who have experience with this club. Experts. But finally I will draw my own line. Van Gaal? Yes, I spoke with Louis – I was at his movie. I was at the premiere of his movie. Do I agree with his comments about the club being too commercial? I draw my own line, and I'm convinced that's not the case. Every club these days is commercial. Every club needs it. To be successful you need to do what is necessary but football is one, two, three in this club.”
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
“I don't see it as a risk. I think this club has a great history and now let's make a future. It is really exciting to do that with the people around who are in the club, and we will also bring people in with the staff. We will analyse the squad and we will go on day to day. [If we] work hard, [and are] 100 per cent committed, then I am sure we will get success.”
WHY HE APPOINTED VAN DER GAAG AND MCCLAREN
“They both know how to get success because they've both won titles, trophies in their careers. And that's why they are here.”
Part 1: Ten Hag’s first interview as boss Video
Part 1: Ten Hag’s first interview as boss
Ten Hag exclusive | Watch the first half of our big interview with Erik, discussing his exciting arrival at United…
ON CHALLENGING FOR THE LEAGUE
“I don't think about that in this moment. What we are thinking about is that this is a project. That always takes time. But I know that, in this club – and I have experience with other clubs like Ajax and Bayern Munich – this is the toughest length of time. But we want to win, we want to win every game, so we go from game to game and then we will see.”
HOW ERIK'S UNITED WILL PLAY
“Maybe you have seen Ajax? I like that. It is always players dictating the way of play. I have the ideal, I will line up my best team, and I will line up my players like that to get the best out of them, so that they can go to the maximum, that they feel comfortable in the role. And in the end it's about getting the success together.”