Exclusive Insights: Man Utd Manager Erik ten Hag Unveils Arsenal Improvement Strategies

Erik ten Hag secured European football in his second season at Utrecht. Similarly, his second season at Ajax resulted in his first title and came close to reaching the Champions League final. His career showcases the notion that success can be achieved when all the pieces fall into place.

The question remains: is Manchester United on the verge of experiencing a similar breakthrough? While winning two out of three games shows improvement from last season, the team's start has been unstable. Narrow home victories against anticipated weaker opponents Wolves and Nottingham Forest have failed to convince.

The loss against Tottenham received severe criticism, raised concerns about the midfield composition, and instilled worries about something essential being lacking. However, there is a glimmer of hope. With the recent signings obtained on the final day of the transfer window, there is a prevailing belief that Ten Hag can lead this team to progress further.

During our discussion at the club's training facility, Ten Hag will openly acknowledge the shortcomings in both defense and offense. Nevertheless, he is also keen on conveying a sense of tranquility in anticipation of the significant match against Arsenal on Sunday. Panicking is unnecessary.

"I have already witnessed numerous games in the Premier League," he confides to We. "None of the teams have reached their optimal shape and form just yet. This is a typical occurrence at the beginning of a season. It will take time for everything to settle and improve. It is our responsibility as managers."

He also noticed more promising indications while watching the match against Forest.

"We have made significant strides in terms of attitude, resilience, and determination, truly displaying dominance. In fact, during certain periods of the game, we maintained possession up to 90 percent, effectively confining our opponents and generating numerous scoring opportunities."

The underlying statistics further bolster our confidence. Ten Hag had expressed his goal of transforming United into a relentless pressing force, which initially posed challenges due to the inherited personnel. However, there are indications that this vision is now materializing.

United has dominated possession in the attacking third of the pitch, surpassing all other teams in the Premier League after three games. Moreover, they have strategically applied pressure on the opposition's passing sequences in that zone more effectively than any other team.

"Is this the desired perspective for him? Definitely. We achieved numerous ball victories and regained possession at an advanced stage on the field. We excel in this aspect of the game. However, we still have room for improvement when it comes to transitioning, as having an abundance of successful regains in higher areas should yield advantageous outcomes."

Why is this pressing so crucial for him?

He clarifies, "In order to maintain control over a game and outperform our opponents, proper pressing is essential. It doesn't necessarily have to be high up the field at all times. There will be instances when a lower, more defensive approach can be effective. Additionally, our team also possesses the skills to pose a threat in such situations."

"But in my approach, I strive to consistently deliver something to the fans. Our objective is to exert dominance over our opponents, playing proactive and dynamic football. Pressing is an integral component of our strategy, and our in-possession tactics must also be executed correctly."

Ten Hag is focused and determined. A hectic day? "Indeed," he responds. After successfully concluding his press conference, announcing the signing of Sergio Reguilon, he is now finalizing the deal to bring Sofyan Amrabat to Old Trafford, a player who can greatly strengthen our under scrutiny midfield.

Ten Hag counters that criticism in various ways. Initially, he refers to their previous achievements, highlighting that "we have achieved great success when playing with Casemiro, Eriksen, and Bruno." This statement holds true since United's performance with this trio starting together has resulted in acquiring 42 points from 17 Premier League matches, which can be equated to the form of a championship-winning team.

Furthermore, he strongly argues that his midfield has been left vulnerable due to the shortcomings of both the defense and the forwards. "This was undoubtedly a collective issue. We thoroughly analyzed the situation and clearly identified the areas of concern within the team," he clarifies.

"The problem stemmed from the defense's failure to apply sufficient pressure and the forwards' delayed or insufficient response. It is imperative that we act as a unified team. Unfortunately, not every player met the expected standards. We dedicated extensive efforts over the past two weeks to address this matter."

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"There is a need for improvement, particularly when playing against a formidable team like Arsenal. It is crucial to maintain proper organization in order to prevent encountering any difficulties. By making the right choices, we can avoid such issues and expect more from our players.

In crucial moments of the game, it is essential to meet and exceed the high standards set. This applies to both the offensive and defensive aspects of our play. Any deviation from these standards leads to problems, affecting every team."

Standards and rules are fundamental to Ten Hag, serving as the guiding principles for his work. Revamping this team has proven to be a challenging task, filled with complex situations that demand careful management.

Even at present, there is a feeling that the summer has been more about addressing immediate issues rather than building for the long term, as evidenced by the last-minute signings. While Amrabat is expected to enhance the team's dynamic vision as a midfielder, Reguilon serves as emergency cover for the left-back position, without much time to adjust to the team's playing style.

When asked about how quickly players can grasp his rules, he admits that it is not an easy task. This may partially elucidate why he prefers to bring in former players. Amrabat, who previously played for Utrecht, now joins the group of former Ajax players consisting of Lisandro Martinez, Andre Onana, and Antony at Old Trafford. However, Ten Hag emphasizes that each situation is unique.

Returning to our previous triumphs, it is worth mentioning that my playing style differed during my time at Utrecht compared to Ajax, just as it differs now at Manchester United compared to Ajax. The key elements to consider are the club's identity and the caliber of its players. It is within this context that I incorporate my own ideas, resulting in a unique blend.

The beginning of my second season with Utrecht was challenging due to the departure of several players. The task of integrating new players into the team was not easy, similar to the experience at Ajax when we lost Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong.

The start of every season is always difficult. However, our focus should be on accumulating points in order to foster belief and confidence. As we progress further into the season, the game will flow more smoothly and improve.

Arsenal

Manchester United

Sunday 3rd September 4:00pm

Kick off 4:30pm

Supporters may have the chance to see Rasmus Hojlund in action against Arsenal on Sunday. The introduction of the club's new striker, who cost £60m, serves as a reminder that this is a project with long-term goals. If the team sticks to Ten Hag's rules, success could be just around the corner.

A victory against the Gunners would provide a much-needed boost. Is it a statement win? "I don't think in terms of making statements. I focus on what we need to do to win the game. We embrace the challenge, going there and rising to the occasion. We're ready to battle them," he explains.

"And to win, of course."

Watch Arsenal vs Manchester United live on We Premier League from 4pm this Sunday; kick-off 4.30pm