After losing 0-1 to Rosenborg in their first pre-season friendly, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag spoke to MUTV. Ten Hag stated that even in friendlies, high standards must be maintained and that the resurgence of Manchester United won’t happen overnight.
On the match result: Ten Hag: The result is not secondary. Although it’s just a pre-season friendly, we are Manchester United, and our standard must be winning, not losing. If we can’t win, we should at least not lose. We lost in the final seconds today. While I place more emphasis on player performance in such matches, it’s clear that we fell far below our standard this time.
On the intensity of the match: Ten Hag: We faced many poor tackles in the first half. When we tried to counter-attack, they stopped us with rough play. Although the players took some hard hits, I think they should be able to resume training tomorrow.
On the team’s standards: Ten Hag: We can discuss and improve everything that isn’t good enough. I’m not someone who hides problems; I’ve already seen that this Manchester United doesn’t meet the standards of top-level football. In top-level football, the standards are much higher. As individuals, you have to ensure you’re in good shape. I know the players aren’t fully adapted to the game right now, so we need to regain our fitness through matches. Our opponents were already in mid-season form, and their physical levels were much higher than ours. However, we are Manchester United, and our players should perform better.
On young players: Ten Hag: I hope the young players listen to the coaching staff’s instructions and translate them into performances on the pitch. Although it didn’t work out today, the standards exist.
On Van Nistelrooy’s impact: Ten Hag: He is an ambitious coach. As a coach, he has excellent skills, so he will greatly benefit the team. Ruud will also guide individual players and help the team in all aspects, especially in attacking and pressing tactics.
Ten Hag: Never Said Pre-season Results Don’t Matter; If We Can’t Win, We Must Not Lose. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/ten-hag-never-said-pre-season-results-dont-matter-if-we-cant-win-we-must-not-lose.html
