Ten Hag optimistic: ‘Top players would like to come to Manchester United’ | Football

May 13, 2023 at 11:31 am

Erik ten Hag thinks that Manchester United is in much better shape with top players than last year when he was appointed manager. The ‘Red Devils’ should reap the benefits of this in the coming transfer period.

“I already notice a big difference with last year. Many players see the project and know what is going on here: that we are ambitious and dynamic,” Ten Hag tells various English media, including BBC Sport.

Last year, Manchester United strengthened itself with Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Lisandro Martínez and Antony, among others. Casemiro and Antony were only signed at a very late stage in the transfer window, partly because a number of top players did not want to move to Old Trafford.

“Last year we noticed a lot of restraint,” says Ten Hag. “Players we approached were hesitant. A lot of top quality players really want to come this year.”

A factor of uncertainty is still who will be the new owner of Manchester United. The Glazer family indicated at the end of last year that they were open to a sale. The main interested parties are Sir Jim Ratcliffe of the INEOS Group and Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani.

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Manchester United is fourth in the Premier League

After David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ten Hag has not (yet) succeeded in guiding Manchester United to their first Premier League title since 2013. The ‘Red Devils’ are fourth, one point ahead of Liverpool, who have played a game more. The top four qualify for the Champions League.

Ten Hag won the League Cup with Manchester United at the end of February and will duel with Manchester City on June 3 for the final victory in the FA Cup tournament. Sevilla proved too strong in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

On Saturday at 4 p.m., Manchester United will continue the Premier League season with a home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

From top 5 in the Premier League:

1. Manchester City 34-82 (+58)
2. Arsenal 35-81 (+44)
3. Newcastle United 34-65 (+32)
4. Manchester United 34-63 (+8)
5. Liverpool 35-62 (+25)

Source