Manchester United start the new Premier League campaign at home to Fulham on Friday and Erik ten Hag has high expectations for the season ahead.
New season, fresh start. Ten Hag will be aiming to get the new season underway with three points when the Reds host Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday night.
Ten Hag insists United can compete for the Premier League title granted we can get off to a strong start and prove consistency throughout the season.
The manager feels he has built a squad that can compete on all fronts after a productive transfer window. He considers his team winners after their success in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in the past two years.
“We won two trophies so that gives us belief that we’re capable of winning,” said Ten Hag, as quoted by The Mirror. “With the two trophies we won more than any other club apart from City in the UK.
“We’re confident we have a good team, a good squad. We have to be more consistent and we want to win in every competition we’re taking part in, definitely also in the Premier League. Our expectations are always very high, we want to go for trophies.
“We know our targets, we know our direction. Now we have to integrate the new players where we think they can improve the team levels and take it from there.” Ten Hag insists he has built a positive team spirit so United can handle any setbacks.
“There’s a good vibe here, a good spirt,” he added. “We have good players and a strong squad. That’s strengthened the belief and that’s always an important point in top football to have this even when results go against you, that you are resilient and you keep the belief.”
Ten Hag also admitted that it is difficult to prepare the team in the best possible when so many players missed pre-season due to international commitments.
“It’s true, it’s very complicated,” he said. “We had the USA tour squad, then we added the players from the Euros and Copa America and now new signings.
“The team is not ready, but the league starts and more managers have this problem. Still, we have some room, have some principles and we have to make a start. We can’t hide, we have to deal with it.”
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