The impact of Erik ten Hag is already being felt at Manchester United, with Luke Shaw acknowledging a “big improvement” as he aims to atone for a poor personal campaign last season.
Ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford after the departure of Ralf Rangnick, who replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last November, following another underwhelming campaign from United.
Ten Hag has a sizeable rebuilding job after United recorded their lowest points tally in a Premier League season.
United also failed to end a league campaign with a positive goal difference for the first time since the 1989-90 season.
Ten Hag has acted by bringing in left-back Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen.
And has convincingly defeated Liverpool and Melbourne Victory in his opening two pre-season friendlies.
Frenkie de Jong is the next arrival should United strike a deal with Barcelona.
And Shaw quickly credits the work Ten Hag is doing on and off the pitch.
Shaw told United’s website:
“We can’t be satisfied with how the team had been going.
“It’s not where the club should be, and we know the levels have had to take a massive step in higher intensity.
“And what we’re supposed to be doing, and I think from the start of the last two weeks.
“Especially in training, it’s a significant improvement.
“And even in the games, I think you could see things you probably haven’t seen before.
“So I think there are things to look forward to.
“I think the manager knows what the team needs, his style and how he wants to manage.
“And all the players have taken it on board, and they’re enjoying it.
“He is very hands-on, and he takes a lot of the sessions.
“So he involves a lot, and if he sees people not hitting the standards, he wants in training.
“And he’ll make sure they know.
“The manager demands more, and we must be better. For example, after the first game, he said to the press.
“And he also told us that there were mistakes made that we need to improve on, not just individually but as a team as well.
“He’s spoken a lot about the team, structure, and how he wants to play.
“It’s a lot of details, but details win games, and with his philosophy and the way he wants to play, we need to listen.
“It’s perfect to have an idea of what the manager wants, and it’s down to us to go and show that on the pitch.
“And like I said, there is still much more to come from us, and this is only the start.”
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