Interim boss Ralf Rangnick was replaced after a turbulent season at Old Trafford by Erik Ten Hag, who was unveiled as United’s new manager. He will be assisted by Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren.Manchester City’s and Liverpool’s duopoly of English football is a boulder in the shoe of everyone related to Man United and ten Hag has declared that he can break their dominance while Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are still going strong.After dominating the domestic game again this season, City and Liverpool fought out another dramatic title race on Sunday. It was a hurtful site for the Red Devils who were trailing more than 30 points behind the leading duo and ended their Premier League campaign in sixth place.Sat 22:00: (2.15) Liverpool (3.50) Real Madrid (3.60)When asked if he can break the dominance of United’s two main rivals with Guardiola and Klopp ‘controlling’ the situation, ten Hag gave a confident answer.’I think, yeah. In this moment I admire them both. Liverpool and Manchester City play fantastic football, but you will always see an era can come to an end. I look forward to a battle with them and I’m sure other clubs will want to do that.’I don’t see this as a risk. I think this club has a great history and let’s make a future. I’m really excited to do that with the people around in the club – work hard, be 100 per cent committed and I’m sure we will have success.’I have been to Manchester before but this is the first time at Old Trafford. I’m impressed. It feels like my home already. I cannot wait for the first match and the stands are full. It will be an exciting experience.’I have seen a lot in the past. Manchester United have a lot of generations who are really successful. There is always a fantastic ambience and I look forward to that experience. In every country I have a favourite club and in England it’s Manchester United.’▶️🇳🇱🎥 In conversation with the new manager of Manchester United: Erik ten Hag.#MUFC || #WelcomeErik— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 23, 2022 The question about the title ambitions, on the other hand, showed a much more reserved Dutchman.’I don’t think about that at this moment. I’m thinking that this is a project and it takes time. We want to win every game. We go from game to game and then we’ll see.’The confidence is that I have a good feeling with the people around, I have a good feeling from the meetings. We have a plan and now it’s about getting the plan done.”The season before, this squad was second in the Premier League and there’s huge potential. If we improve, if we can work with them, we can get better results.”We have to set clear purposes, you need people who have the positive attitude. ‘Players dictate the way of play, when I have the idea, I will line-up my best team and get the best out of them to make them feel comfortable. It is about getting success together’, he added.🇳🇱 Erik 🤝 Donny 🇳🇱#MUFC || #WelcomeErik— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 23, 2022 When it comes to the roster at his disposal, many players will be leaving the club this summer. Ten Hag will wait until pre-season to speak with the players and he confirmed that he wants Cristiano Ronaldo to stay. No wonder, given that the Portuguese superstar finished the season as United’s top scorer with 24 goals.’Next season is a different season, but he did a great job,’ said Ten Hag. ‘He’s a great player and he achieved a lot already. I’m looking forward to working with him.’On the other hand, ten Hag was less emphatic about the possibility of Harry Maguire remaining as captain after a difficult season for the Englishman.Setting the standards 📈#MUFC || #WelcomeErik— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 23, 2022 Ten Hag’s countryman and former United boss Louis van Gaal said recently that United are a ‘commercial club’ and that his younger colleague would therefore be better ‘going to a football club’. Ten Hag spoke to Van Gaal before accepting the job.’The reason (I took the job) is, although there is a fantastic history, is the high potential for the future – that’s why I’m here,’ ten Hag added.’I’ve heard (what van Gaal said), but I draw my own line. I’m convinced that will not be the case, I spoke with directors about it — football is one, two, three in this club.’Every club these days is commercial. Every club needs it, you need the revenue to be at the top. But football is one, two, three.’Rangnick has stepped down, remaining a consultant in the club while also taking the position of the Austrian national team manager.
