Erik ten Hag Looks Forward to a Season of “Survival of the Fittest” at Manchester United

The FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May was a pivotal moment for Erik ten Hag. It not only secured a trophy for Manchester United but also cemented his position as manager. Following a comprehensive review by new co-owners Ineos, the club triggered a one-year extension in Ten Hag’s contract, keeping him at Old Trafford until 2026.

Reflecting on his journey, Ten Hag said, “If they don’t want me, I will go and win somewhere else,” showcasing his unwavering self-belief. As United embarks on a pre-season tour, Ten Hag, along with new chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and technical director Jason Wilcox, is focused on the future.

“That [winning trophies] is what I did all my career,” Ten Hag stated during a press conference in Pallekele, Sri Lanka. “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 energized, with a good dynamic and good spirit. We want to work and we want to win.”

Injuries plagued United last season, particularly in defense, where six players were sidelined at various points. To address this, the club has invested nearly £90 million in French defender Leny Yoro and Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee. Additionally, United has strengthened its backroom staff by bringing in Gary O’Driscoll as head of sports medicine and Jordan Reece as head physio.

“Even more than before, this season will be the survival of the fittest,” Ten Hag remarked. “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 means they will compete in the Europa League, which now involves eight first-phase games instead of the usual six. Ten Hag continues to seek new players, prioritizing full-back and central defense positions. He also aims to maximize the potential of his current squad, particularly England duo Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount.

Rashford’s form dipped last season, dropping from a career-high 30 goals in 2022-23 to just eight. Mount, who joined from Chelsea for £55 million, started only five Premier League games and played a single minute as a substitute in the FA Cup final.

“Rashford had scored so many goals and at a relatively 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.”

United has also strengthened its coaching team, adding Andreas Georgson, former Lillestrom and Malmo boss, to their ranks. Georgson joins ex-United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and former Go Ahead Eagles coach Rene Hake, forming a revamped backroom unit.

“We did a review of the staff and did some profiling for what we want to fill in,” Ten Hag explained. “He will do his work in areas such as individual development, winning culture, and set-piece.”

As United prepares for their pre-season match against Arsenal, Ten Hag’s focus is clear: building a resilient team ready to face the challenges of the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, former United goalkeeper David de Gea is reportedly being considered by Genoa, marking a potential return to club football for the 33-year-old Spaniard.

With renewed energy and strategic additions to both the squad and the coaching staff, Erik ten Hag is set on leading Manchester United through a season defined by resilience and success.

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