Erik ten Hag has finally broken silence on the shock state of Manchester United before he arrived as the manager of the club, MySportDab reports.
The former Ajax manager and Champions League semifinalist took over as Manchester United from the beginning of this season.
He has recorded immense progress with the team, bringing it back to the level of big clubs in the Premier League.
Man United finished sixth in the Premier League last term, 13 points outside the top four, with Ten Hag having a lot on his table to rebuild the team.
Ten Hag has revealed that he had to quickly identify the issues that he was faced with, to begin his rebuild and bring back the club to where it is supposed to be.
He criticized the dressing room atmosphere when he came in and the quality of players he had at his disposal.
In an interview with Voetbal International in his homeland, Erik Ten Hag said;
‘Manchester United didn’t exactly have the fear factor last season,’
‘There was no spirit. I saw no team dynamic in the squad. The mental resilience was very low. I saw that as an outsider – and also noticed it in my first weeks at the club.
‘I looked at the culture of the club. I asked ‘how did Manchester United become great?’
‘The club has bought an unimaginable number of players in recent years who have not been good enough.
‘Most purchases have been average – and at United average is not good enough. United’s shirt weighs heavily.’
The Dutchman set out to acquire top players to bolster the squad as he took over as manager.
He brought in the likes of Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Antony, Christian Eriksen, and Tyrell Malacia.
His signings have added enough impetus to the team, and allowed Erik Ten Hag to bring the Red Devils at par with other big clubs in the Premier League this season.
On his signings, Ten Hag admitted that he has to avoid the mistake of going for average players, but deliberately targeted players with big personalities, and wanted individuals who were willing to fight for results on the pitch.
‘Only real personalities, that can deliver results under great pressure, can play here,’ Ten Hag insisted.
‘We needed to have personalities. That’s why we signed Casemiro who has been very crucial for the team
‘Malacia, Martinez, Casemiro, and Antony are all fighters and good players. Christian Eriksen is a technical winner and a great personality. We want the best of the best. Any players we bring to Manchester United must meet the highest standard.’
Manchester United have recorded a series of successes under Erik Ten Hag this season.
They are currently in the top four and have progressed to the Carabao Cup quarterfinal, including the next round of the FA Cup.
They are also through to the playoffs of the Europa League, where they will face Barcelona.
