Seemingly aware of the challenge ahead, in an interview with The Athletic, the 52-year-old reinforced his strong belief in himself, saying: “I have to say I have a strong belief. This is a big challenge, but so far, wherever I’ve been, I’ve gotten the most out of my teams. This is the most difficult task. I realize that, but I’m here, so I’m convinced I can do it.” According to news agency PA Sport, the Dutchman has backed himself to be the man to bring success back to the Theater of Dreams. “I think that [trophies] it belongs to Manchester United’s regime, and that’s what we’re going to do. This will be the requirement of the team and of each player.” The Dutchman has given a new perspective on the reasons behind United’s struggles last season, mainly basing the team’s underperformance on a lack of confidence. “You can see it [last season] affected the players. Now we have to cheer them up and motivate them. We are trying to restore confidence. That is one of the important points to succeed – that you have confidence as an individual and as a team.” The new United boss was quizzed on his signings and mentioned targets. In this, the former Ajax boss insisted that only the right players will be brought in. Ten Haag pointed to his position in midfield as one that United are clearly trying to address. His compatriot and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been widely linked with a reunion with his former manager and would likely fit the manager’s profile. Refusing to be drawn into commenting on the prospect of signing De Jong, Ten Haag remarked: “We are looking for a player who can play in the midfield position, but it has to be the right one. There are not many in this position capable of the level we require. We have a list and we qualify as the player who has the skills to play that role.” “We will strike the moment the player is available. When we can’t find him, we have to deal with the players in our squad and we will develop one in that position.” Another player who came to the fore during the interview was United’s number 7 and five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal captain is yet to join the rest of the squad on their pre-season tour amid uncertainty over the star’s future at Old Trafford. Numerous reports have linked Ronaldo with a move to Atletico Madrid after it emerged that a number of top clubs including Bayern Munich, Chelsea and PSG were not interested in the talisman’s services. Ten Haag praised Ronaldo as a top player, saying: “In his career he has shown everything. I have my requirement. We want to play a certain way. A top player can contribute and Ronaldo is an absolute top player in our team.” The United boss admitted he did not know for sure where the Portugal captain would play next season or when he would return to training. He went on to say, “I am well informed, he also has a choice [of another year]. Yes [he could stay beyond next season]. Of course, I’ve signed here for three years, but even in football it’s short-term.” In the Jamie Jackson interview, Ten Haag spoke about United’s new defensive signing Lisandro Martinez. Of Martinez, Ten Haag said: “He’s not the tallest, but he’s pretty good in the air. I feel comfortable with that. Of course, you need the right balance. Does it have good timing? this is one of its capabilities. We bring him not to strengthen the team, but the team.” “He also brings a South American spirit, a controlled aggression. I think he will be a great fit for #mufc and the way we play.” The Guardian’s Jamie Jackson reports that in the United captaincy, Ten Haag has backed the struggling Harry Maguire to regain his best form in what could be seen as a vote of confidence in the skipper. “I always see captaincy as a matter of dictation. Team building is important and I always talk about a leadership team. The captain is very important and I am happy with him [Maguire].” The United manager, however, also warned that while Maguire will retain the captaincy, like other players, he will have to prove himself and live up to the high expectations that have been placed on his shoulders. According to Guardian Sport, Ten Haag also distanced himself from former interim manager Ralf Rangnick’s comment that the Red Devils could reach rivals Liverpool and Manchester City in 2-3 windows. “I will not make such a statement. I want to get the most out of the players who are here but it belongs to Manchester you always look for better – for competition because that is a tool to bring them up. PA Sports also revealed that Ten Haag had spoken to United’s owners, the Glazer family, about their expectations and plans for the future. “They told me they want to succeed and that’s the only thing they want. That’s what they expect from me, to bring success.”
