The tour to the land of the stars has ended for Man United. The "Red Devils" won and lost but learned a lot of lessons. In addition, they have harvested 3 new players before the new season starts in 3 important positions, helping the team prepare well in the context of the Premier League 2023-2024 approaching. Next season, Ten Hag and his students will still keep the most important goal, a ticket to the Champions League. In addition, titles such as the League Cup or FA Cup are an undeniable attraction for the team at the present stage.
"Before the season, no team was confident that they could win, except Manchester City, who have done it five times in the last six years. The remaining clubs must compete fiercely for 4 positions in the top group, then the first 2 positions.
For the players, we have to train them to be pressured by the natural things of current football. In general, Man United players have not yet fully adapted to the pace of top-flight football. You have to get used to playing 60 games a season and 10 games for the national team. About 70 matches/year means that the players' bodies must be in the best condition every 3 or 4 days.
With that intensity, when a player does not have a healthy lifestyle, everything will disappear. Sleep, recovery, and nutrition are the three most important factors. If you don't comply, you won't be able to play an outstanding match. The same goes for classy people like Marcus Rashford or Rafael Varane. When I first came here, Man United was an unprofessional team, the coaching staff is trying to make the whole team reach the highest standards" - Ten Hag shared.
Jadon Sancho is a case that has been criticized quite a bit after the recent tour. The English striker played obscurely when he was placed in the position of virtual center forward. In the past 2 seasons at Old Trafford, Sancho has played 79 matches and only scored 12 goals and 6 assists. Sancho is only 23 years old, so next season will be the time to decide whether he is really a loan deal or not.
"He has skills and knows how to develop himself to be someone who can make a big contribution. When playing at a high position in the formation, you must understand that what you need is the final product (goal). Everything needs to be done such as running, passing, finishing, ... all must serve that goal.
At this time, Sancho is an energetic player and is in a very good mood. The coaching staff has known that since Sancho returned to the squad. He is hungry for success in the 2023-2024 season," Ten Hag said of his British student.
Before the end of the US tour, the Dutch captain took off Harry Maguire's captain's armband and gave it to Bruno Fernandes. After that, West Ham had contacts and agreed to a £20 million deal but Man United did not agree. Ten Hag shared that if Maguire still wants to stay, the opportunity for this central defender is not over.
"When you play for Manchester United, you have to fight for your position, you have to show your skills well and you have to prove why you are the best at that position in the club. In addition, there is also the issue of how to contribute to the collective. I often choose a player to play right in front of Maguire but that does not mean I don't believe in him. Maguire has to prove himself is better than Varane and Lindelof, that is normal in top-flight football" - Ten Hag shared.
As for new signing Rasmus Hojlund, this deal is considered done and it is in line with Ten Hag's wishes. However, the Dutch strategist still did not forget to mention Harry Kane as one of the unfortunate deals of the "Red Devils".
"I'm not talking about players who are still signed with other clubs because it's a respect for the team and that player. As for Harry Kane, he is a great player, I always have great respect for him. Kane is one of the best players ever, could be the best striker in Premier League history."
