Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag aims to put past uncertainties behind him and focus on a new season he describes as “a survival of the fittest.”
The manner of his team’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City at Wembley in May was pivotal in securing Ten Hag’s position.
Confirmation of the 54-year-old’s extended role—through the activation of a one-year option in his contract, keeping him at Old Trafford until 2026—came following a thorough review by new co-owners Ineos.
In the wake of the FA Cup triumph, Ten Hag confidently stated, “If they don’t want me, I will go and win somewhere else,” showcasing his self-assurance.
As United embarks on their tour, Ten Hag is eager to move past the previous uncertainties, now accompanied by new chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and technical director Jason Wilcox.
“That [winning trophies] is what I did all my career,” said Ten Hag. “I believe in myself. We had to wait very long but by the end we got the reward.
“Now we are in a new season. We left everything behind and we are looking forward. It’s a great project. There will be ups and downs but now we are very energised, with a good dynamic and good spirit. We want to work and we want to win.”
United faced a slew of injuries last season, especially in defense, where they were missing up to six players at various times.
Ten Hag has made significant strides in tackling these challenges both on and off the field.
The club has invested nearly £90m in French defender Leny Yoro and Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee. Additionally, United has strengthened its support staff by hiring Gary O’Driscoll from Arsenal as head of sports medicine and Jordan Reece as head physio.
“Even more than before, this season will be the survival of the fittest,” said Ten Hag, whose team face Arsenal in a pre-season tour game on Saturday.
“The load on the players is so high. We are not the only team with so many injuries and we were not even the worst. It was our bad luck. We had them at the end of the season in the back four and it cost us a lot of points. But the pressure on players is immense, with the new model in Europe.”
United’s FA Cup win has secured their spot in the Europa League, which, like the Champions League, now features eight group-stage matches instead of the usual six.
Ten Hag remains focused on recruiting new players, particularly for full-back and central defense positions.
At the same time, he is aiming to maximize the performance of his current squad, especially England internationals Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount.
Rashford’s form declined sharply last season, dropping from a career-best 30 goals in the 2022-23 season to just eight.
Mount, who arrived from Chelsea for £55m last summer, started only five Premier League games and played just one minute as a substitute against City at Wembley.
“Rashford had scored so many goals and at a relative young age,” Ten Hag said. “He is capable of it. I am confident and have 100% belief he can do the same as two years ago.
“I don’t judge Mason because he was injured, but when he is fit he will be a very good player. You need certain types in a squad. He can play in different positions and I’m sure he will help the team.”
Minutes before Ten Hag began his first news conference at the UCLA complex in Los Angeles, United confirmed another addition to their coaching team in former Lillestrom and Malmo boss Andreas Georgson.
The 42-year-old previously worked in England at Brentford, Arsenal and Southampton and joins former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and ex-Go Ahead Eagles coach Rene Hake in a much-changed backroom unit.
“We did a review of the staff and did some profiling for what we want to fill in,” Ten Hag said. “He will do his work in areas such as individual development, winning culture and set-piece.”
Meanwhile, Genoa are weighing up a move for former United goalkeeper David de Gea.
The 33-year-old Spaniard has been without a club for over a year since leaving Old Trafford.